Armidale’s
RSL sub-branch has given its blessing for Council to remove and replace 37 war memorial
poplar trees along Waterfall Way after one recently fell into the path of
two moving vehicles.
An
assessment found the cause of the fall stemmed from fungal decay in the root
crown, with this condition affecting 37 poplars between the Canambe Street
roundabout and Quota Park. To ensure the assessment of the trees was beyond
question, Armidale Regional Council requested an independent arborist review of
the Poplars. The review found the 37 poplars ranged in risk category from
urgent removal required, to likely to move into high risk.
Council
has worked closely with Armidale’s RSL sub-branch to develop a strategy that
maintains the important historical value of the memorial, while also ensuring
the public is not put at risk of an accident.
Armidale
Regional Council’s General Manager James Roncon said all of the removed trees
will be replaced with new Lombardy Poplars to preserve what has been a
spectacular thoroughfare into the city for decades.
“We
simply can’t take any chances when it comes to the safety of our community, so
this is the best way to ensure a tragic accident doesn’t happen,” said Mr
Roncon.
“The
original trees were planted as a memorial to the Australian Infantry Forces
following the Second World War, so we have treated this situation with the
utmost care and respect.”
Additional
poplar trees and a eucalyptus may need to be removed and replacements will be established
to maintain this significant war memorial.
Works
on the removal and replacement of the trees will begin on Wednesday 11 August
and are expected to be complete within two weeks. Works will be carried out
between the hours of 7am and 5pm, and nearby residents have been notified.
Traffic control will be in place during the course of the work.
Published on 09 Aug 2021