Bypass danger to 400-year-old tree

THE DANDENONG Southern Bypass should be shifted to avoid tearing out a 400-year-old river red gum tree that stands in its way, according to the Greater Dandenong mayor.
Keysborough South Ward councillor and mayor Peter Brown this week requested council liaise with EastLink contractor Thiess John Holland over the possibility of building the bypass on either side of an old river red gum tree near Tarene Street, Dandenong South.
“It is a perfectly healthy specimen and one of the finest examples of its type,” Cr Brown said.
“I think anything that predates white settlement in Australia and is still alive must have some heritage value.”
Cr Brown raised the matter at this week’s council meeting and said he had spoken with council’s engineering services director, Tim Tamlin, over the possibility of Thiess John Holland moving the bypass to allow the tree to remain standing.
“But he did mention when the environment effects statement was taken in 1998, it didn’t provide for that tree to be retained,” Cr Brown said.
Cr Brown said while some people may not see the value in protecting one tree from a large bypass development, someone had to raise the matter.
“I just take the view that some people need to make decisions to protect heritage values even if other people don’t see the values,” he said.
The Star contacted Thiess John Holland for comment but did not receive a response before deadline.