Two bunya pine trees, both planted more than 100 years ago, will be removed in Binalong following a decision at Yass Valley Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday.
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Councillors went against the Director of Planning’s recommendation to refuse the applicant’s request to remove the trees, located on Fitzroy Street. They gave the applicant permission to remove the trees on the basis that he make a $2000 contribution for street planting, engage the local community in selecting trees to replace the pines and that he help plant another bunya pine tree at the recreation grounds.
Both Angela Regan and Hayley Crossing spoke in the Open Forum about the importance of keeping the pine trees where they are.
“(These pines were) planted in 1910 and are more than a 100 years old. They are an integral part of the landscape and their loss would create an irreversible void,” Ms Crossing said.
Applicant John Foster said the trees pose significant risk to the general public.
“They have cones that are as big as your head and weigh 5-10 kilograms with spikes, the risks here are significant.”
The date of the trees’ removal is still to be confirmed.