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5 November 2009
Report on Jonson St fig trees to go before Council
A report regarding problems being created by the two fig trees at the pedestrian crossing on JonsonStreetByronBay will go before Council on Thursday 12 November.
According to Council’s executive manager asset management services Phil Holloway the report notes that the trees are causing concerns relating to safety and maintenance.
Mr Holloway said Council has received a number of emails over the last week in relation to the trees and wanted to reassure the community that the trees would not be removed without the Council first considering all of the issues and concerns before making a decision on the trees.
The trees at the centre of the report are located at the marked pedestrian crossing in Jonson Street, between Byron and Marvel Streets, and were planted in the 1990’s.
“Unfortunately the fig trees are not a suitable type of tree for a location with high intensity pedestrian, car and parking activity,” Mr Holloway said.
He said in order for the fig trees to achieve their full potential, substantial works would have to be undertaken involving the removal of road area, footpath space and car parking.
“If the trees were to remain without doing this, the alternative is to undertake regular and major trimming resulting in them never reaching their full potential.
“Currently they are causing trip hazards to pedestrians, uplifting the pavement and kerb, and casting a shadow over the pedestrian crossing from street lights.
“We have also received complaints about health and hygiene issues when the trees are fruiting and consequently attract bats,” he said.
The report to Council also raises concerns over the issue of public liability of the fig trees.
Mr Holloway said insurance coverage requires that reasonable steps are taken to minimise risks of trip hazards greater than 20mm. He said if Council does not take reasonable steps within a reasonable timeframe it may be liable for future damage claims.
In addition, Council’s heritage advisor had been consulted and they noted that the Jonson Street trees do not hold any heritage value and no objections were raised to their removal from a heritage perspective.
Mr Holloway went on to say that if the fig trees were to be removed, they would be replaced with advanced Weeping Lilly Pillys.
He said once established, the mature replacement trees would provide the required shade and visual amenity for the town centre.
The report to Council will be available on Council’s website from Thursday 5 November at www.byron.nsw.gov.au/meetings .
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Media Contact: Donna Johnston
Media Communications Officer
Byron Shire Council
Ph: 02 6626 7320
Byron Shire is located at Australia's eastern-most point with a population of almost 29,000. It is a thriving community where residents and visitors live, work and play in a sustainable environment and where Council strives to deliver the highest standard of local government services and infrastructure.
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