Fighting back to save Adelaide's trees
by Shane Sody
These century-old London Plane trees provide a shady canopy over Frome Road - once nominated for the title of Adelaide's prettiest street.
Photo: Yuri Poetzl
But State Government consultants claim that two of these trees are hindering construction activity in the nearby Park 11 - the so-called "Lot Fourteen".
The State Government has rejected the option of returning the former RAH site to Park Lands. It's chosen to turn this part of your Adelaide Park Lands into a construction zone. Despite claiming the title of 'National Park City' for Adelaide, State Government officials keep telling us that trees are getting in the way of Government developments.
On Frome Road, two trees are destined for destruction. In Helen Mayo Park, there are hundreds of trees at risk from Premier Steven Marshall's plan for a 15-thousand seat stadium.
But at both sites, activists are fighting back to save trees.
Last Sunday, 27 February a small group staged a rally in Frome Road in support of the two endangered London Plane trees.
From right to left: Convenor of the People’s Heritage Alliance, Prof Warren Jones, Greens State election candidate Yesha Joshi, Adelaide City Councillor Keiran Snape, Tommy Eyers and Lucy OÇonnell-Doherty. Pic: Yuri Poetzl
According to the rally organiser, Joanna Wells:
"Anybody who has ever walked down Frome Road on a hot summer's day will know that they are not only beautiful living umbrellas that protect us from the heat of the sun; you will also no doubt recall the dramatic drop in temperature that literally hits you as you walk beneath them on days such as this. These trees also have the advantage of being particularly resilient to pollution, as they shed their bark on a regular basis."
Rally organiser Joanna Wells speaking at Frome Road on Sunday 27 February. Pic: Yuri Poetzl
Among the problems with SA laws is that London Plane trees, as introduced species are not considered "significant".
Renewal SA has asked the Adelaide City Council for permission to cut down these two trees, at "Gate 7" and "Gate 9" to open up sight lines for trucks entering or leaving the so-called “Lot Fourteen” construction site on Park 11.
The doomed London Plane tree at “Gate 7”. Pic: Yuri Poetzl
The doomed London Plane tree at “Gate 9”. Pic: Yuri Poetzl
The Council has yet to make a decision on the fate of these trees. Read more at InDaily.
Meanwhile, across town at Helen Mayo Park, a far greater number of trees would be destroyed to make way for the proposed $662 million “Riverbank Arena”. More than 100 river red gums are among the 257 trees in this Park which was re-zoned in January to "Entertainment Zone".
THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO
1. In relation to the Frome Road plane trees, you can contact the Lord Mayor and/or Councillors to express your view.
2. For the trees in Helen Mayo Park, please join us next Sunday, 6 March, as part of ‘Clean Up Australia Day’. While collecting rubbish (10am to 12 noon) you can help draw attention to the plight of the 257 trees at risk in this Park. Register here. https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/register/helen-mayo-park
3. This Friday, 4 March, join the National Trust's 'Save Our Trees Day of Action’. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/save-our-trees-day-of-action-catch-up-tickets-277207724767