Making way for new trees

Monday, 14 March 2016

25 trees will be replaced in coming weeks after an independent arborist assessed their location near a major roadway at Emu Plains.

The report was commissioned following a severe storm in January that saw two trees fall onto the Great Western Highway. The report prepared for Council indicated that the trees fell due to the severity of the storm and the softened ground following heavy rainfall. Council will however wait for the outcome of a Coroner's inquiry before making further comment.

"It was a terrible accident and Council has responded quickly to ensure all trees near roadways in our City have been visually inspected," Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said.

"Around 70 trees where the branches encroach significantly over roadways or are not suited to their location will be removed at various locations across the City as a result of these inspections."

The independent arborist also conducted a detailed audit of the neighbouring trees along the Great Western Highway at Emu Plains.

"This report recommends we remove a number of trees which may present a risk of falling if similar storm conditions were repeated," Cr McKeown said.

Around 25 trees will be removed from Friday, 11 March. Council will time the work to cause minimal disruption to traffic, however to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists some road closures may be required.

Cr McKeown said the trees would be replaced with a species best suited to roadside planting.

"Removing trees is not something Council likes doing, in fact we've planted an additional 3000 trees in the past 12 months to help cool and green our City."

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 14 March 2016.