Community events to save trees affected by the South East Light Rail

High Cross Park – set to become the Randwick Interchange.  The near-century old Cook pines are to be removed.  All other trees are to be removed, except for three trees nearest to the cenotaph. Photo by Rickie-Lee McLaurin-Smith used with thanks.

Row of Fig trees along Alison Road in the Randwick Racecourse -flagged for removal for a stop. Photo by Rickie-Lee McLaurin-Smith used with thanks.

There are two community events happening on National Tree Day to try to save the hundreds of trees along the CBD & South East Light Rail.  I am posting about these events because they are close enough to Marrickville LGA & because many of us have grown up knowing these trees.

760 trees along the route are marked for removal.  In Randwick, 270 trees are to be removed. Many are significant & historic trees, which have been here for generations.  The community believes small changes in the route can be made to accommodate the tracks & retain the trees.

I have put the events in order of the time they commence. It would be easy to go to both events.

Event number 1: PUSH – People Unite Surry Hills

Sunday, 27 July 2014

9am to 12 noon

Ward Park Surry Hills.

“Our aim to educate the public on the hundreds of trees under threat of removal due to the construction of the CBD & South East Light Rail. We want to ensure the government do all that they can to minimise the number to be removed.  These trees provide visual & healthy amenity, add value to properties, & provide a connection to our rich natural & cultural heritage – not to mention the habitat they provide for our urban wildlife including native birds. There will be a plant giveaway, garden maintenance & educational activities.”

For more information see – http://treeday.planetark.org/site/10005750

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Event number 2: Randwick Tree Walk

Sunday July 27^th – 10am meeting at High Cross Park at 11am (see below)

“All are welcome to join this free community walk along the planned light rail route between Centennial Park (at the corner of Alison Rd & Anzac Parade) & High Cross Park, starting 10am to show support for the many trees set to be removed. If walking is not for you, meet us at High Cross Park at 11am. There will be some other fun & educational activities for all ages.

Randwick Tree Walk is an opportunity for the community & its friends to show that they value Randwick’s trees. These trees provide visual & health amenity, add value to properties, & provide a connection to our rich natural & cultural heritage – not to mention the habitat they provide that connects us to our urban wildlife, including native birds. Wear your best tree colours (whatever that may be for you!).”

For more information see – http://treeday.planetark.org/site/10005868

Fig trees in Wansey Road within Racecourse land. These trees were marked for removal in the initial plan, but the fate is uncertain in the latest plan.  Photo by Rickie-Lee McLaurin-Smith used with thanks.

Fig & Plane trees apparently ‘to be saved’ due to lobbying ny Randwick Council. However this has not yet been committed to in writing. Photo by Rickie-Lee McLaurin-Smith used with thanks.