Community could fund Yum Yum trees

Cr Terri Latella has suggested that the community could provide funds to help repair the Yum Yum trees at Killcare.

"It is m y belief that some of the funds could actually come from the community that want the direct area under the Yum Yum trees fixed," Cr Latella said.

"Is it possible that we look at the direct area around the trees and try to expedite some regeneration issues with funds that are quite willingly being provided by the community there?"

The director of city services Mr Stephen Glen said that is was possible.

At an earlier council meeting, Cr Jim Macfadyen had asked when maintenance would be performed on the trees.

"It was my understanding when this matter last came to council that council was to carry out some restoration work to help preserve those trees," Cr Macfadyen said.

"This included timber around the tree and soil to cover the root system."

He asked when this maintenance would happen.

Mr Glen reported that the protection of the Yum Yum trees at Killcare was to be a component of a major upgrade of the area.

His report stated that "the necessary works are beyond the scope of standard maintenance and therefore require additional funding".

It went on to state that "the full proposal included the aeration of soil surrounding the Yum Yum Trees, elevation of the sea wall to the height of the adjacent sea wall and wharf, covering of the exposed roots with river sand and an angular-shaped gravel to help bind the roots."

Mr Glen stated that a boardwalk or platform would then be constructed around the base of the trees over the roots to prevent further damage to their root system from pedestrians frequenting this area.

"The boardwalk would then become part of disability access between the toilet block and picnic tables," Mr Glen said.

The project was put up for consideration as part of the 2005/06 capital works program but did not receive funding.

The report stated that it would be resubmitted for consideration in the 2006/07 capital works program.

Council agenda Q.124, COR.32, September 27