By Alesha Capone
Community members are ‘shattered’ by the loss of several mature trees along Ballan Road, cut down to make way for a new intersection.
Local resident Jennifer captured an image of the hewn trees lying along Ballan Road earlier this month and posted it on the Manor Lakes Community Facebook page.
“I was shattered when I saw they were being pulled down,” Jennifer told Star Weekly.
“My kids love those trees, it was beautiful driving along there.”
Several residents have since commented about their disappointment that the trees were chopped down.
Manish wrote: “Was so gutted to see these mature trees go away – they were the highlight of the road!”
Karen wrote: “What a tragedy. Those trees added needed character to the area” and Ash added: “I drove past while they were chopping them down, and my heart broke a little”.
Wyndham council’s director of city design and liveability, Ludo Campbell-Reid, said the tree removal from Ballan Road’s north side was part of interim works ahead of construction of a major intersection at the corner of Ballan and Ison roads.
“The intersection is being constructed to provide safe access for residents of Manor Lakes and Jubilee estates,” Mr Campbell-Reid.
“This intersection will be signalised and lit, providing a safe pedestrian and cyclist crossing point at Ballan Road and Ison Road.
“The works are expected to be completed in early 2022.
“As with all new projects, there will be new native trees planted along Ballan Road and Ison Road at locations which will allow future duplication of Ballan Road.”
Mr Campbell-Reid said the council was “working hard” to substantially increase Wyndham’s tree canopy coverage.
“Unfortunately, there are times when some trees need to be removed for major works, however for each tree removed, we plant hundreds in its place,” he said.
“That’s why we’re planting approximately 21,500 trees, shrubs and plants this year.
“Developers are also planning to plant a further 10,000 trees.”
