4 days ago
Council divided over trees blocking 'million-dollar views' after residents complain
A major Australian council has found itself at odds with locals over six newly-planted trees, with some insisting that when fully grown, they'll block the "million-dollar view" of the CBD.
The City of South Perth council last week voted 4-3 to remove the trees, recently planted near Lake Douglas in the winter of last year, after locals complained they would obstruct lucrative views.
Local Nic Coveney put forward the proposal. He also argued that, in addition to the potential blockage, turtles regularly make their way from the lake up to residents' fences, but the increase in trees has attracted more birds, which in turn has led to fewer turtles surviving.
Councillors Andre Brender-A-Brandis and Jennifer Nevard, and Mayor Greg Milner voted against the trees being removed, but ultimately were outnumbered.
But now, Nevard is calling for a review into the decision. The revocation motion — a formal request to cancel or undo a previous decision — called for the CEO to organise a workshop with elected members to create a policy that sets a consistent approach for handling tree removal requests on public land.
Debate intensifies in South Perth over 'obstructive' trees
Milner said no removal decisions would be made until that policy is in place and stated he supports the revocation motion. "[It] will provide council with the opportunity to reconsider the decision from the July council meeting," he told PerthNow, adding that the matter will now be reviewed in August.
If the revocation fails, the council will proceed with removing the six trees, allocate $30,000 in its mid-year budget to plant 130 square metres of nearby shrubs to offset the lost canopy, and begin developing a policy for tree planting on public land.
Coveney said he had suggested using smaller species instead, but those alternatives were rejected by city staff. He pointed out that last year, the City spent $25,000 removing 40 public trees in Karawara after residents claimed they were obstructing views. Deputy Mayor Bronwyn Waugh argued it would be inconsistent to now disregard similar concerns, simply because they're coming from a different location.
"This situation deserves the same courtesy," she said. "The environment is dynamic, and so to is our planning responses. Trees can and should be removed, replaced or redesigned in line with science, good design and community needs, not just for principle sake."
But Milner said the proposal went against key policy documents. "It undermines the City of South Perth's foreshore strategy and management plan," he said.
Concerns rise over city's canopy cover
The debate comes as Perth continues to grapple with widespread tree loss caused by the polyphagous shot-hole borer, an invasive beetle that bores into and kills a wide range of trees.
Since the pest was first detected in 2021, more than 4,000 trees have been removed across affected suburbs in an effort to contain its spread. Councils in the metro area have been forced to clear infected trees and implement strict quarantine zones, with many popular street trees, including maples, willows and box elders, especially vulnerable.
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The mass removals have fuelled concerns about declining urban canopy cover, with environmental groups warning that Perth is already lagging behind other Australian capitals in shade and tree protection. Urban forests play a critical role in cooling cities, supporting biodiversity and improving residents' wellbeing, particularly as climate change drives up summer temperatures.
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