Why did Knox Council spend 30 minutes debating the removal of a single tree?

A decades-old gum tree in The Basin is on the chopping block, after the homeowners pushed Knox Council to approve its removal citing concerns of limbs falling and overall maintenance.

The removal of the lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora) goes against the arborist’s recommendations, as well as a number of overlays and frameworks aimed to protect the landscape of the Dandenong Foothills.

But the owners of the property, who planted the tree decades ago and are now in their 70s, say they can no longer keep up with maintaining the tree and ensuring it is safe for those who walk under it.

Listening to residents’ concerns

Councillors debated what should happen to the tree for more than 30 minutes during Monday’s council meeting. Knox Council in particular regularly discusses issues around tree maintenance, felling, and planting.

Councillor Paige Kennett moved an alternative motion during the meeting to approve the removal of the tree, as long as it is replaced with one medium native canopy tree within 28 days.

“It has now outgrown what the residents can manage,” she said.

“This tree, as beautiful as it is, now conflicts with powerlines, sheds bark and sap onto vehicles and drops gumnuts, leaves and other debris that make the footpath and steep driveway treacherous, described by residents as ‘like walking on ball bearings’.

“Both [residents] fear for their safety and liability should someone be injured on the footpath.”

Opening the doors to more removal requests?

Councillor Robert Williams spoke against the motion, citing fears the decision to remove the tree would create a precedent to allow for similar permit applications to be brought before council.

“I believe it’s probably going to open more doors for more people,” he said.

“We’re really opening up the floodgates for more of these to be raised.”

But Kennett said each planning application will be considered on its own merits, so this motion will not create a dangerous precedent.

“When we are forced to choose between retaining a healthy tree and supporting residents to age safely, with dignity in their home, I believe the right decision is clear.”

Bye bye, gum tree

Ultimately, the council decided to approve the removal of the tree, with a vote of six councillors to three in support of the alternative motion.