There has been a great deal of discussion within Council and in the community this week regarding the advance notification that seven trees, including two cedar trees, have to be removed from Elbow Street, predominantly from in front of the Library, as part of the upgrade works.
Council is committed to transparent action as well as to the protection of our valuable trees where possible. Unfortunately in this case, it has been determined that the only available course of action is removal.
This is not a decision that has been arrived at swiftly nor without due process or notification.
- The trees to be removed have already caused significant damage to the footpath in this area and particularly the entrance into the Library.
- Tree roots have also impacted the Library infrastructure including crushed sewer lines, damaged and blocked stormwater lines, damaged copper water mains and pipework serving the Library toilets.
- Incident reports are submitted with increasing regularity from customers who have tripped or had issues with walkers, prams or mobile scooters due to the uneven surface. Most recently, one regular library customer tripped, broke her shoulder and was hospitalised. The trip hazards have been marked with spray paint.
- This footpath links Service NSW and the Library to West Kempsey and these are essential services for residents who can have higher accessibility needs.
- The footpath renewal has been on Council’s works list for many years but projects at other locations have been prioritised.
- Application was made to Council on 12 July 2021 for permission to clear the 7 trees. This application was advertised to the public for 28 days as per required procedure and approval granted on 10 September 2021.
Additionally, Council has engaged with the community and professional consultants in developing the plans for the Kempsey Library renovation.
One of the strongest outcomes of the community needs assessment and engagement for the Library renovation project identified the need to provide community meeting rooms that are accessible after hours. Clear, safe entrances and footpaths are part of delivering that need. The architect and the consultant who prepared the layout both recommended the removal of the trees in order to provide greater visual connection and accessibility to the Library from Elbow Street.
Are the trees diseased in any way, or are they healthy trees?
The trees are healthy, which is why their growth has damaged all the surrounding footpath, library building and adjacent infrastructure between the footpath and the building entrance.
What other options have been considered, other than removal of the trees?
The damage caused by the trees to the footpaths and surrounding infrastructure limits any other options.
The significance of this thoroughfare linking major service businesses in West Kempsey and the need to create a safe, accessible footpath for these service businesses has resulted in the recommendation to remove the trees
The Library renovation includes new landscaping and outdoor courtyards immediately adjacent to the building which is why the funding to further deck the front of the building is not available.
Can a root protection barrier be installed to prevent damage to the footpath?
The footpath is already very damaged and has been on the replacement list for many years but not actioned due to the need to consider the Library precinct more holistically.
Could the path be realigned to reduce the root damage and resultant trip hazard?
The uneven ground and root impact extends from the footpath through to the building edge which means there is not a clear available realignment. This footpath connects the Service NSW building, the Library and Civic Centre through to Elbow Street and the retail precinct of West Kempsey which makes it a significant access thoroughfare.
If the trees are removed, how many trees will be planted to replace them and where will they be planted?
The landscape works allow for planting of smaller shrubs and greenery in the front of the Library, keeping with the recommendation to improve visibility and lines of sight for the facility.
Consideration is being given for a larger Greening the Shire project, utilising Developer Contributions, for delivery within the 2022/23 Operating Plan.
Does Council have other Street Trees in high pedestrian traffic areas, and if so will similar removal action be taken at these locations?
It is not Council’s intention to actively remove street trees. Every project and location is reviewed individually with consideration to all available options.
