Ultimatum claimed: tree goes or else

INLAND Rail is being accused of giving a last-minute ultimatum as it seeks to remove a large eucalyptus tree to improve the Frost Street underpass, according to the local group which represented the community during the IR planning process. The tree is being removed to allow disability access to the planned new underpass. Euroa Connect chair Jim Shovelton said Inland Rail was demanding the tree be removed or else the underpass will be closed. Mr Shovelton said it was important that the community needed to be consulted on the tree's removal and not have an 'either/or' decision forced upon them. He said Euroa Connect had received advice that the tree's preservation was no hindrance to the planned works. "Our view, informed by experts, is that the retention of the tree is not a barrier to the construction of the underpass, and it therefore should be retained," Mr Shovelton said. "This option should be pursued by council, and we are seeking a meeting with DTP representatives to seek this outcome." Mr Shovelton said any proposal to close the underpass should be canvassed with the community - particularly those on the northwestern side of the railway line. "It needs to be made clear that while Euroa Connect has an opinion on the Frost Street underpass issue, it is the community that should have been consulted at the planning stage, and not just have a decision foisted on them. He also said the retention of ancient trees such as the one earmarked for removal was a community asset, given climate realities. "It is important for reasons of amenity and ecological value, and it is an urban design requirement that any developer should start with the intention of protecting such a valuable community asset. "Inland Rail should be following the ‘avoid and minimise principle’, which is clearly not the case in this situation." Mr Shovelton cited page 43 of the Master Inland Rail Development Agreement Contract under 'technical requirements' which describes a street tree management plan as one of council's assets. "This indicates that the shire has an active role in the management of our tree assets," Mr Shovelton said. "While I clearly understand the need for councilors to operate at a strategic level, the executive needs to be held accountable to implementing policy and ensuring that the interests of the community are foremost in its actions." A spokesperson from Inland Rail said management was still working with council on the underpass. "We are currently finalising the project design and reviewing the impact on individual trees," the spokesperson said. "During this step we work with the engineers, construction team, and local council to see if the impact can be avoided, then minimised, before we determine if removal is required."