Council defends tree removal
Gosford Council has defended its removal of a number of Brush Box trees along the northern footway of Uligandi St as part of the construction of the shared footpath and cycleway between Woy Woy and Ettalong.
Council's project officer Mr David Medcalf said the path was a continuation of the cycleway constructed from the Woy Woy Town Centre, along the Woy Woy Foreshore Reserve through to McMasters Rd Reserve, funded by the Department of Planning under the NSW Coastline Cycleway Program.
Further funding has allowed the off-road pathway to continue south along Blackwall Rd, via Memorial Ave, Barrenjoey Rd, Uligandi St and then east to the existing shared pathway at The Esplanade, Ettalong.
"Various options were investigated for the Uligandi St alignment, including locating the pathway in the roadway as a separated shared pathway," said Mr Medcalf.
"However, these options would have seriously impacted traffic flow, resident kerbside parking, bus zones and drop off areas associated with the Ettalong Beach Primary School as well as the existing pedestrian crossing.
"In addition to this, an alternative route in surrounding streets was also investigated, however, the adjoining streets all contained many more trees than the northern side of Uligandi St.
"Therefore, it was recommended that the proposed shared pathway be constructed along the Uligandi St northern footway.
"Negotiations with the school allowed the planting of trees within their grounds particularly along the Uligandi St road boundary.
"They agreed that if the Brush Box trees along the northern footway of Uligandi St were removed as part of the shared pathway construction then the school would welcome advanced specimens of the same tree to be planted within the school grounds along the same road boundary.
"Replacement trees were planted within the school grounds at the beginning of summer 2012 which, as they grow, will gradually reinstate the streetscape," said Mr Medcalf.
Media Statement, 31 Jan 2013
David Medcalf, Gosford Council