Trees warrant up to $1m compo I WISH to express my deep concern regarding the apparent inaction of council in the face of extensive tree removals by the Inland Rail Corporation along Euroa's streetscapes - particularly Anderson Street. The removal of these mature, established trees represents not just a visual and environmental loss, but a significant financial one. Using the Tree Valuation Method as outlined in the Urban Tree Management Guidelines - which the Strathbogie Shire Council itself claims to uphold - the value of the trees removed from Anderson Street alone exceeds an estimated $250,000. When all affected areas are taken into account, the total community loss could be close to $1 million. This raises a fundamental question: is our council powerless to protect the community's interests, or simply disconnected from the reality of what has occurred? These trees were valuable community assets. Their removal without clear community consultation or apparent opposition from council is deeply troubling. At a minimum, this appears to be a serious compliance issue with potential implications under local by-laws. If left unaddressed, it also raises questions of governance and accountability. I urge Strathbogie Shire Council to issue a formal response - ideally published in The Euroa Gazette - clarifying: What council's position is on the removal of these trees. Whether the removal complied with existing by-laws and planning protocol. If the council intends to seek compensation from the Inland Rail Corporation or its contractors on behalf of the community. This is not a matter to be quietly overlooked. The community deserves transparency, action, and assurance that its environmental and financial assets are being properly protected. David Jamieson, Strathbogie Testing Time No man is invincible, so guys, please show some sense and give thought to a subject that may cause you to feel tense; but there's no need for reticence when seeking for the answer as to whether you're at risk of getting prostate cancer. Get a simple blood test done: do it soon, but do not wait for symptoms to appear and run the risk that it might be too late. Craig Penny, Terip Terip I attended the first Thursday's Conversations at the Euroa Library, presented by Jeffrey Starkey and three students from Euroa Secondary College. The topic presented was Fred Tubb VC (1881-1917). It was with great respect that the three young men did themselves proud as they read segment's from Tubb's diaries. I feel the afternoon was so interesting that it could be repeated and also videoed - I am sure there would be an audience on YouTube. Thanks also must go to the young men's schoolteacher Scott Leopold and of course Jeff who has put in so many years of research into war history. The First World War was 'the war to end all wars'. Also, thanks to the library staff who are always so warm and so helpful. Keith White, Euroa
