PUBLIC HOUSING —
136 BISHOPSGATE STREET, CARLISLE
239. Hon TIM CLIFFORD to the minister representing the
Minister for Housing:
I refer to the Housing Authority's
decision to remove a large gum tree that is home to a variety of birdlife from
a property at 136 Bishopsgate Street, Carlisle. I understand that the decision
was made because the tree's roots are interfering with pipes and
fencing.
(1) What
alternative options were considered prior to making the decision to remove the
tree and was an environmental consultant engaged to advise on the environmental
significance of the tree?
(2) Were
neighbours given prior notice before work commenced and was a risk assessment
undertaken to assess potential risks to people and property?
(3) How much was
the work estimated to cost and how much has the removal process cost so far,
including the costs of repairing damage done to neighbouring properties?
(4) Can the
minister confirm whether the contractors had permission to forcibly remove a padlock
to obtain access to the property?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following information has been provided by the
Minister for Housing.
(1) The
Department of Communities will complete tree lopping and pruning works where
trees are causing property damage or are close to powerlines. In this instance,
the options considered included leaving the tree in situ, pruning the tree back
or complete removal. Complete removal was the chosen option due to the effect
of the invasive root system of the tree on the sewerage, drainage and fencing
systems at the complex. It is a very large tree in close proximity to
residences and as such there are also considerable concerns that the tree may
cause injury to people or damage homes by dropping limbs. No environmental
consultant was engaged.
(2) Public housing tenants were
notified. A risk assessment was undertaken.
(3) The works
have been included as part of a bulk quote for removal of multiple trees. The
cost of removing this individual tree has not been assessed.
(4) Yes.