Council defends tree removal

Gosford Council has defended its removal of trees from Woy Woy's Lions Park, after a local resident criticised the "vandalism".

The council claims the work will ensure the safety of park users and provide the necessary space for the fig trees to develop in size and structure.

The work includes the removal of unsuitable trees and shrubs that are impacting on access paths and other infrastructure, according to Gosford Council's City Services acting director Mr Peter Armour.

Eight trees have been removed this year with another two scheduled for removal next year.

"Council has tried to limit the number of trees to be removed by considering the relocation of some paving and items of play that are being affected by tree roots," said Mr Armour.

Mr Armour released the statement about Council's tree works program after receiving a letter from a resident who said she was concerned that Lions Park was "being systematically destroyed by the cutting down and removal of at least half the mature trees in the park".

"This destruction appears to be a professional job as the trees are cut off at their base, and painted yellow, presumably to stop regrowth.

"In addition, I noticed that some stumps had been ground down, in an attempt to remove all trace of the destroyed trees.

"I would hope that Council will use our rates to replace all the mature trees with trees of a similar age, preferably as soon as possible, and at least before the beginning of summer.

"I suggest that Council recoup the cost of this by suing the perpetrators of this vandalism."

Media Statement, 9 Nov 2012

Peter Armour, Gosford Council

Email, 16 Nov 2012

Michelle Watson, Woy Woy