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The heritage Oak trees along one side of King George V Avenue in Tamworth will now be saved after a decision by Tamworth Regional Council to listen to community opposition to remove these trees for a Development Application. Photo by Facebook group ‘Save King George V Avenue in Tamworth NSW’ with thanks.
Last March 2012 I wrote about the beautiful, historic row of English Oak trees along King George V Avenue in Tamworth that were to be chopped down for development.
“A DA that will require the removal of 50 English Oak trees that line King George V Avenue so that the pubic road can be widened for the Peel River Estate, a proposed 500-house residential development at Calala. On 28th February 2012 Tamworth Councillors unanimously approved a draft plan to chop down these trees. 10 old River red gums aged at least 200-years-old will also be removed.” See – https://savingourtrees.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/king-george-v-avenue-tamworth/
An aerial shot of King George V Avenue. Photo by Facebook group ‘Save King George V Avenue in Tamworth NSW’ with thanks.
Well, I have excellent news for you. After massive lobbying by the community, Tamworth Regional Council has decided not to allow the removal of these heritage trees. Their business papers for the upcoming Council Meeting on Tuesday 8th May 2012 says –
“……. the proposed link road to the CBD via King George V Avenue has generated an unprecedented level of community interest & debate as demonstrated by the many submissions & numerous petitions totalling 12000 plus signatures.
The single issue that has generated the most concern is the potential link road from Peel River Estate across the floodplain, particularly the proposed removal of 47 oak trees in King George V Avenue to facilitate widening of the Avenue.
One of the matters for consideration in assessing any development proposal is the ‘public interest’. In this regard, given the widespread community opposition to the removal of the English Oak trees from King George V Avenue, it is recommended that the current link road proposal not be supported.
In addition to the resolution of access issues pertaining to the Estate, the community has requested that Council investigate the heritage significance of the English Oak trees & consider listing them as heritage items in the Tamworth Regional Local Environmental Plan 2010.
….. it is considered that a Management Plan which integrates a formal heritage assessment of significance with a series of management recommendations would be warranted & of assistance.”
Well done & thank you Tamworth Regional Council. It is great that you listened to the people & did not push this aspect of the DA through regardless of community opposition. There will be many people who will be extremely happy with your decision. Thank you also to the Save King George V Avenue in Tamworth NSW community group & others who campaigned to save these trees & to everyone who signed the petition & made this happen. People power does work.
More than 50 heritage Oak trees are proposed to be removed along one side of King George V Avenue in Tamworth. Photo by Facebook group 'Save King George V Avenue in Tamworth NSW' with thanks.
The Tamworth community is campaigning against a DA that will require the removal of 50 English Oak trees that line King George V Avenue so that the pubic road can be widened for the Peel River Estate, a proposed 500-house residential development at Calala. On 28th February 2012 Tamworth Councillors unanimously approved a draft plan to chop down these trees. 10 old River red gums aged at least 200-years-old will also be removed. http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-branch-in-tamworth-tree-fight/2479590.aspx
An aerial shot of King George V Avenue. Photo by Facebook group 'Save King George V Avenue in Tamworth NSW' with thanks.
A petition of more than 7,000 signatures against the removal of these trees was tabled & 200 plus submissions to Tamworth Regional Council were received from the community.
The DA is on public exhibition while a traffic study, a revised concept plan & development controls is being prepared.
The community planted these trees in 1936 as a memorial to King George V & they form the longest continuous canopy of English Oak trees in Australia. As such they have heritage value to both the people of Tamworth & of Australia. I find it very sad that the removal of these trees is even being considered.
The community want Tamworth Regional Council to “recognise the historical & cultural importance of King George V Avenue to the Tamworth community by:-
1. listing the 76 year old English oak tree avenue as a heritage item on the Local Environment Plan
2. putting into practice the recommended procedures for the care & management of the trees
3. abandoning all proposals to remove any of the trees & the widening of the road
4. using the alternative route for access to Calala & upgrading Calala Lane.”
You can help the community in their campaign to save these trees by signing their petition here – http://www.communityrun.org/petitions/save-king-george-v-avenue?time=1332765369
SAVING OUR TREES - Marrickville municipality 
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