By Callum Ludwig
A question from the public in the Tuesday 6 June Yarra Ranges Council meeting has revealed the cost of the works on the Warburton Tree.
Warburton resident Brent Grogan submitted the question, requesting the complete cost of the works which were carried out recently following weeks of debates, protests and discussions.
Director of Built Environment and Infrastructure at Yarra Ranges Council Hjalmar Philipp responded to the question and said the total costs, including costs arising from Council being obstructed in undertaking the safety work, is in the order of $400,000.
“This includes independent arboricultural advice, legal advice, contractor costs, traffic management, fencing and security,” he said.
An update from Council on Thursday 8 June said they are ‘committed to investigating the feasibility of retaining the remainder of the tree’ with a habitat area in the tree’s immediate vicinity possible in the future.
The Ottrey Car Park and the public toilets have been reopened, with access to the Warburton Recreation Reserve also possible through the site again.
