Limits are slammed

By Kath Gannaway
RESIDENTS of Macclesfield Road, Yellingbo, say imposing load and height limits on the road would be unworkable and are not the solution to dealing with dangerous trees.
Yarra Ranges councillor Noel Cliff last month called for a report on restricting use of the road by larger vehicles.
He said the move was aimed at protecting roadside vegetation from the environmental impact created by the increasing size of vehicles being allowed to use the road network.
One of those impacts was the effect cutting down roadside vegetation has on nearby habitat reserves of the endangered helmeted honeyeater.
The shire last year agreed to remove a number of trees following a petition from residents expressing safety concerns.
Emma Rush and Sue and John Clark own properties which connect with the reserve.
They say the load limit proposal is the last straw for residents and businesses who are being asked to shoulder the brunt of measures to protect the bird.
“Load limits are going to effect so many people. There are 17 cattle properties and seven horse properties alone,” Ms Rush said.
A chicken farm and other businesses also rely on big trucks for deliveries.
“Our local cattle agent is an ordinary person trying to make a living,” she said.
“For Cr Cliff to suggest he should buy three smaller trucks is just ridiculous,” Ms Rush said.
“This is a farming area and we are having to deal with a whole range of problems, from trees falling on our fences to the invasion of weeds and foxes from the reserve.”
Ms Clark said dead and dying trees all along Macclesfield Road were putting residents in danger.
“I am not saying that our wildlife is not important, but do you put the ability of a possum to cross the road, or a bird to fly across, above the safety of people.”
Ms Clark said more should be done to improve habitat on the reserve before compromising the safety and businesses of residents.
Correction: The Mail (30 January) was incorrect in stating a council decision to remove trees along Macclesfield Road had been reversed. Cr Cliff’s call for load limits was a further motion.