Protecting Trees
In response to some of the action steps outlined at the community meeting Three ways to protect trees:1. National Trust – Register of Significant Trees (National Register)2. Heritage Victoria (State Register)3. Trees of State and National significance can be incorporated into Ballarat Planning Scheme, as can trees of local significance.And Ballarat has Tree Management Plan (2007) (http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/waste-and- )environment/environment/tree- management-plan.aspx This is from the Ballarat and District Historical Society, Inc. Newsletter (Aug-Oct 2007)(http://home.vicnet.net.au/~buninhis/newsletters/oct_ ):07.htm
Significant Trees
The City of Ballarat has been developing a tree management plan, and we took the opportunity to make a submission about some of our most significant trees in Buninyong. Most important is the ancient Manna Gum in Nolan Street. There is also the avenue of Elms in Inglis Street, planted as a war memorial avenue by the Buninyong Fire Brigade. Another war memorial avenue, much under threat from new developments, is the RSL Avenue on the Midland Highway near the Buninyong Golf Course. There is a significant group of exotic trees in Learmonth Street, in the centre of the township. These include the six rare Exeter Elms near the roundabout, planted probably in the 1920s. There is a single Chinese Elm in the same locality. There are a number of very important trees in the Botanic Gardens, which are protected, and a few very old Eucalypts beside the Gong along Forest Street. There are also some exotic trees in De Soza Park, planted to mark special events.
Local branch of the National Trust might be a good place for info: http://www.nattrust.com.au/
branches_volunteer_groups/ ballarat_branch Phone: (03) 5333 5163
National Trust – Ballarat Branch Tree Group
The tree group attached to the National Trust – Ballarat Branch comprises Evelyn Ebbs, Greg Binns and June Driscoll. Eighteen significant tree sites have been measured and photographed and the completed survey will be used to update the Significant Tree Register managed by the National Trust. Look up the register on the web there are significant trees across Victoria. The remaining trees have been grouped into seven geographical areas; with Buninyong possibly requiring one or two visits.
The Avenue of Honour will be difficult to quantify. It is understood that a report from the Avenue of Honour Committee will keep the Trust informed of the current status of the rejuvenation and tree replacement. Our member, Wendy Jacobs, is also a member of the Avenue Committee, and Wendy has offered to obtain a report for us. Thanks Wendy.
Too true Diane – the developers could have kept the ‘country lane feel’ of the area by working around the trees that were along Hill View Road, Brown Hill. I heard that the developer’s mother actually planted those trees (30 years ago). I really don’t get it.
I was unaware of this Tree Management Plan but it just adds to my frustration that time and effort is put into these plans and then they are ignored. Colleen’s before and after photos of Brown Hill show a tragic loss of trees to create bland nature strips for a housing estate. These trees were not removed in order to provide housing, only to provide a blank canvas for the developers. With a little creativity they could put their time into creating an attractive subdivision in line with the Tree Management Plan but it appears they would rather spend their time and effort at VCAT.