By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
LESS than two weeks out from the centenary of Anzac Day, Casey Council has replanted the entire Harkaway Avenue of Honour.
Historic trees that have lined the path for almost a century were removed to make way for 29 seedlings.
The planting was undertaken earlier this week, with an event held at the Avenue of Honour on the morning of Monday 13 April.
Long-time Harkaway resident Bill Peeler was shocked to find that the trees had been removed so close to an important Anzac milestone.
“The uncaring, insensitive and disrespectful actions by the council in taking this action three weeks before the forthcoming Anzac services is appalling,” he said.
“I’m unsure why this couldn’t have waited. This was certainly not a matter of urgency.”
The avenue is located at the intersection of King Road and Harkaway Road, Harkaway.
Mr Peeler lives locally and says he was not consulted or informed of the upcoming works.
Council’s Manager of Parks and Reserves Trevor Griffin said the trees were removed and replaced to ensure the memorial is in its best possible condition leading up to the Anzac centenary commemorations.
“The works are part of a wider council project to rejuvenate and restore the seven Avenues of Honour across Casey for the Anzac Day Centenary, with a number of trees in poor condition to be replaced,” he said.
“Prior to works being undertaken, the local RSL branches were consulted, and abutting residents sent a letter by council advising of the works.”
Held on Monday morning, six descendants of one of the honoured soldiers were invited to the official planting ceremony.
Present at the event, Councillor Rafal Kaplon said the timing of the restoration was unfortunate but necessary.
“Basically some of the existing trees were dead, some were missing and some grew into unmanageable shapes over the roadway,” he said.
“I admit that it’s unfortunate this has happened so close to the day, but the timing was beyond council’s control.”
Cr Kaplon said he asked council to erect an information board at the site, informing residents of the restoration but as yet nothing had been done.
Mr Peeler also had concerns about the method used by council to replant the trees, burying large plastic pots into the ground.
Despite citing restoration as the reason for the replanting, derelict signs bearing the names of soldiers had not been replaced as of Monday afternoon.
Mr Peeler said the actions of the council were disappointing.
“It’s clear not much consideration has gone into these decisions that directly affect the community,” he said.
“If the trees were dangerous, why was no arborist’s report shared with the community?”
The Avenue of Honour was erected in 1919 to commemorate the sacrifice of troops during World War I. It was funded by the residents of Harkaway.
