Yarra Ranges Council is disappointed to share that their plans to remove the diseased Mountain Grey Gum in Warburton were halted by a protestor on Thursday 23 March.
Yarra Ranges Council also apologised for any confusion regarding the arborist report that declared the tree unsafe, which was dated to have been conducted in 2022 at the top of the report in error.
Council’s work since 2016 to prolong the life of the tree has included regular arborist reports, dynamic cabling, bracing and pruning. Despite Council’s best efforts to preserve the tree, reports using a Sonic Tomograph – an instrument used for measuring decay and the structural integrity of trees – have also shown consistent and worsening degradation in the tree wood since 2016.
Two cables tied in the tree’s upper canopy are currently providing the main structural support for the tree.
The tree’s close proximity to a main road, walking path and bus stop commonly used by school children poses an unacceptable risk to visitors and residents.
Council will continue working with Victoria Police to make the site safe so that tree works can occur. Community members are urged to stay well away from the fenced-off area around the tree until further notice.
In recognition of the tree’s significance within the Warburton community, steps will be taken to protect the wood that comes from the tree as much as possible during removal, with the hope this wood can be made available to the community for use in art, furniture and other creative projects. Replanting in the area will also be undertaken.
