The Friends of Warragul Trees supporters, from left, Maggie Rehorn, Les Corson, William Dunham-Burgess, Nicole Walsh, David Cindric and Jordan Corson are campaigning to save three mature Strzelecki gum trees in Pharaohs Rd, Warragul, they are concerned may fall victim to development, especially road widening and a roundabout planned for the Pharaohs Rd/Sutton St/Tarwin St intersection.
A campaign to save important trees along roadsides and in parks in the Warragul area is building momentum through a Friends of Warragul Trees group.
Members of the largely informal group have set their eyes on three Strzelecki gum trees in Pharaohs Rd, Warragul, one of which they say has been approved for removal by Baw Baw Shire council to enable a roundabout to be built at the junction of Pharaohs Rd and Sutton and Tarwin Sts.
The group was established about 12 months ago after noting successes by Friends of Drouin Trees in establishing a significant trees register and liaising with council.
Member of the Warragul group Nicole Walsh said the group had been surveying Warragul and roads leading to the town over the past year to identify trees it said should be retained.
She said the Strzelecki gums were only endemic to West and South Gippsland and those in Pharaohs Rd that were about 150 years old had healthy leaf canopies.
Ms Walsh said the friends’ group wanted to raise awareness of the importance of the trees in the town’s parks and of mature and significant roadside trees, many of which have already been lost to widening and realignment of roads associated with new housing estates.
The Friends of Warragul Trees propose making a submission to council on the need to protect trees that store tonnes of carbon, are part of the character of the town and are important corridors for wildlife.
People interested in the friends’ group can contact 0490 247 792.
