As part of Council's commitment to explore options that might be available to retain habitat for the tree at the Warburton Recreation Reserve carpark, Council has commissioned another independent arborist report for an additional assessment of the tree, and consideration of options other than complete removal.
The report reiterates the risk to public safety of the tree in its current state. It recommends works that should be undertaken to reduce the risk level of the tree to 'low', while also retaining the lower trunk as a habitat tree.
Click here to read the arborist report.(PDF, 9MB)
Completion of these works would enable Council to make a proper assessment of the remaining tree to help determine opportunities to retain it for habitat, while also ensuring public safety can be achieved.
The remaining portion of the tree would continue to be fenced while the assessment of options and impacts is undertaken.
Council will not conduct works beyond critical safety works until all aspects of this matter are properly considered.
The Yarra Ranges is renowned for its beautiful, treed landscape, with many species boasting lifespans of hundreds of years. Decisions to undertake significant works on such trees is never easy.
It is important to note that Council does not commission independent arborist reports with a predetermined outcome in mind. If anything, we are always hopeful that options can be found to save a tree.
However, when reports come back suggesting safety works, we take those recommendations seriously, and have a responsibility to keep our community safe.
Further updates for when works are planned will be provided in the coming days.
