By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
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A 19th century peppercorn tree needs protection from planned road works as part of the Revitalising Central Dandenong project, a Greater Dandenong councillor believes.
The 140-year-old tree, part of the historic Dandenong Park’s original plantings, is protected by a heritage overlay under the Greater Dandenong planning scheme but Cr John Kelly said it may not be enough to save it.
At the Foster and Lonsdale streets intersection, a slip lane only a few steps from the sprawling tree may be widened as part of upcoming road works.
Cr Kelly said even digging around the tree’s root system may cause irreparable damage.
“The tree is probably too close to the road as it is. You wouldn’t want to be cutting anywhere closer than where the footpath already is,” he said. “We may end up with a dead tree. I’m calling for us to look to Heritage Victoria, to get the best protection available. I think VicRoads and Places Victoria may not have the same passion for saving the tree.”
VicRoads intends to “reshape” the lane as part of Lonsdale Street revitalisation works between Foster and Webster streets but couldn’t guarantee the tree’s survival.
Regional director Peter Todd said VicRoads would “endeavour to retain existing trees where possible as part of this project”. He said there was no intention to remove any trees near the slip lane.
A VicRoads spokeswoman said the route for the reshaped slip lane had not been decided.
Greater Dandenong’s planning director Jody Bosman said the tree was planted soon after the land was gazetted for public purpose in 1873 and was one of a few original 19th century plantings remaining in the park.
“The tree does not appear to be of any individual historical significance and therefore does not meet the Heritage Victoria listing criteria.”
He said any works in the area would require a planning permit as part of a heritage overlay that covers all trees in Dandenong Park.
Dandenong and District Historical Society president Chris Keys said the park’s first plantings should be rated “very highly”. “The [redeveloped Lonsdale Street] looks a lot better than it did but old trees are an important historical link.”
A Heritage Victoria spokeswoman said few individual trees, unless a rare species or part of a significant leafy avenue, were included on its heritage register.
“Registration doesn’t necessarily protect a tree from things happening. If it’s falling or considered dangerous we give approval for a replacement. The thing with trees is they don’t last forever.”
The spokeswoman said the National Trust of Australia identified significant trees but its listings didn’t offer legislative protection.
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