By ALECIA PINNER: apinner@mmpgroup.com.au
CASEY council will erect an extra light pole at Hallam Recreation
Reserve to solve the problem of a large tree casting a shadow over the
oval.
The issue was raised by Cr Wayne Smith at the council’s meeting
last month, during a discussion about the types of trees being planted
on nature strips and in parks and reserves.
The problem tree at the oval is said to be unsafe, but is protected.
‘‘The [Hallam Football] club argues that it’s not safe and that
branches are falling down,” Cr Smith said. “The council is going to
erect another lighting pole. That’s the solution. We could save maybe
$100,000 but sometimes we go a bit overboard with trees.”
The council’s parks and reserves manager, Trevor Griffin, said the
tree was a protected river red gum. “We are treating it differently to
how we normally would,” he said.
Mr Griffin said the cost of the pole would come from money left over in the budget of a recent lighting upgrade at the reserve.
Hallam Football Club president Peter Maskiell told the Journal that the council had removed seats from under the tree and spread mulch to deter people from walking or sitting near it.
“There are only 130 to 180 of the trees left in Casey so they are trying to protect it,” he said.“We had asked for it to be pruned but the [council] arborist is pushing to keep it in its natural form.”
Mr Maskiell said the tree had dropped branches but the club was
happy with the safety measures taken by council. The new light was
expected to be installed within two weeks. ‘‘It is a happy outcome for
everyone,’’ he said.
Council officers are evaluating the types of trees being planted in Casey and the management of native and dangerous trees.
Power Reserve oval in Doveton will also receive a lighting
upgrade. Sport and Recreation Minister Hugh Delahunty visited the
reserve last Wednesday to announce that Doveton Eagles Football-Netball
Club and Doveton North Cricket Club would receive $69,600 towards the
cost of two light poles.
