Fired up over maples

Mary Farrow, Non Blaire, Lee Fuller and Lisa Bullock had campaigned for the Cypress trees to remain. 106466_03 Picture: MEAGAN ROGERS

A CARDINIA Shire Council decision to plant up to 30 “fire-wise” trees at an Emerald bushfire refuge has put local environmentalists off side.
The Gazette reported last week council elected to plant up to 30 Red Maple trees at Worrell Reserve after it removed 50 Monterey Cypress last year.
With the reserve now deemed a Neighbourhood Safer Place, a “fire-wise” species was required.
However Emerald For Sustainability Convenor Lee Fuller said she had concerns with “replacing one exotic species with another, when the overwhelming request was for an indigenous species”.
An initial survey revealed earlier this year the native Australian Blackwood was the preferred choice, however only two options were made available.
Ranges Ward councillor Tania Baxter described the survey results as “inconclusive”.
“The original survey to gather information on the preferred species of tree to be replanted was too simplistic and further work was required to finalise the choice of species,” she said.
Mrs Fuller was concerned the species had a “fairly high leaf litter”.
“Where does that put the bushfire safety of the Emerald community?
“High winds, increased ember attack on people using the oval as a Neighbourhood Safer Place, as the leaves may have dried out due to summer conditions and getting ready to drop in the autumn, which the fire season now goes into.
“Will those leaves become the embers?”
However a council report revealed CFA advice which suggested the new species “would not put at risk the designation of the NSP”.
Mrs Fuller admitted it was a positive that trees would be replanted at the reserve.
“They will be spectacular at the entrance to the town, but, according to council, it is about the perception of safety,” she said.
“I know I have said this repeatedly, but council have mucked up this plan from the beginning, and no amount of patch up jobs is going to work.”
Ranges Ward Cr Brett Owen said council had been thorough in its investigation and consulted both expert and community advice.