Public Question 2 to Glen Eira Council

From: Michael Cramphorn
Subject: Glen Eira trees and parks

“In light of the recent extreme weather, what specific steps is Council taking to assess the impact on Glen Eira trees and parks, and to establish an appropriate strategy to protect those assets?”

The Mayor asked the Director Community Relations (DCR) to read Council’s response. He said:

“On 23 February 2009 Council wrote to you in response to similar questions that you had put.

Council’s response says: ‘Thank you for your email of 5 February 2009 and further letter of 13 February 2009.

Firstly can I assure you that Council is doing its utmost to ensure that our trees survive this terrible ongoing drought. Just in the last few weeks the terrible weather conditions that brought the recent tragic firestorms to Victoria has had a noticeable effect on trees throughout Melbourne. I can tell you that all Councillors and Council staff share the same interest as you do in preserving our living environment.

In relation to the specifics of your recent communications the matters were referred to Council’s Manager Park Services, who has responded:

“Glen Eira has access to bore water and uses this water as the main water supply to ‘trees at risk’. In addition we have also been proactive in obtaining water from other sources. As reported in the February Glen Eira News, Council has obtained three million litres of water from a building site for use on its trees. Wetting agent is added to the bore water to assist the water to penetrate deep into the tree’s root system where it is needed most.

Park Services have been regularly watering the trees in the western end of Caulfield Park since October last year. With relatively short travel distances, Council uses trailer mounted water tanks to cart water to the trees. An average of 2500 litres of water is applied weekly to each large tree.

In addition to the regular watering, many trees have been mulched and a small number of drought affected trees have received specialised hydro-aeration works to improve the trees’ ability to absorb moisture.

Works are also planned for later this financial year to install drip irrigation designed to water trees in the heritage area (western end) of Caulfield Park. These works are intended to help protect the trees from the effects of drought. We are continuing to monitor the health of the trees within Caulfield Park.

With regard to the removal of the magnolia tree, extensive attempts were made to save this tree before a decision was made to remove it.”

Should you have any further queries regarding your concerns, please call the Service Centre on 9524 3333.