The destruction of almost 20 old gum trees has raised the hackles of a Derrimut resident, who fears the green views from his estate will eventually be replaced with “the high walls of another prison”.
Brett Russell lives in the Brimbank Gardens Estate, across from land on Robinsons Road that he describes as “an eyesore”.
Of the 30-odd trees remaining, “I counted the rings and one of the trees was more than 100 years old,” he said.
“They’re the only old trees the kids around here have to develop a connection with the land, and its natural history.
“There’s also lots of wildlife inhabiting the trees, including the hobby falcon, black kite, ibis and woodland birds.”
Mr Russell said he was disappointed to see parts of a heritage stone wall in the area crushed.
“The wall would’ve been stacked up 130 years ago and it’s now just been smashed in some areas,” he said.
“Plenty of prisons are being built around Brimbank, but not a single tree has been planted.”
When Star Weekly inquired about the land and the trees’ removal, Melton council said the location was in Brimbank, with Melton’s boundary stopping at Robinsons Road.
Brimbank council’s planning department said the land was in Melton.
Melbourne Water has taken responsibility for the trees’ removal, saying the move was part of preparation for the Water for a Growing West project. The project involves constructing a 17-kilometre pipeline to transfer drinking water from St Albans Reservoir to Cowies Hill Reservoir.
The $30 million pipeline will service 40,000 homes across the west, and will be laid mostly under existing power lines between Station Road at Albanvale and Robinsons Road at Deer Park.
Melbourne Water project manager Peter Clark said the removed vegetation would be reused.
“Derrimut Primary School showed great initiative by reusing the logs as seats in its open areas,” Mr Clark said.
“The mulch and woodchip … is being provided to Brimbank council for use across the community.”
Mr Clark said Melbourne Water notified residents by mail on February 1 of the vegetation works along the road and fewer trees were removed than originally planned.
