Macksville residents rally to save their riverside trees

Following the announcement last week of a public consultation period regarding the proposed removal of the kaffir plum trees, the group have swung into action putting petitions around the CBD and scheduling a protest for tomorrow (Thursday) morning, 10am, on the river bank.

For Mickey Hawkes it is a question of preparation before using the axe.

"These trees are in fair to good health, they are certainly not dying and it makes no sense to cut them down now without having something else well-established to replace them," Mickey said.

"We are proposing the council plant a couple of trees along the riverbank first and let them grow so they are ready for when they are needed.

"The shade these trees offer is very important to this town. In summer I see tourists continually stopping here to buy their lunch and sit under the trees. They won't stop if there is no shade."

She said the council's problem with fruit dropping onto the pavement being a slip hazard could be remedied by timely pruning when the trees flowered.

"And the two options suggested in the arborist's report also have seed pods and berries that will drop."

Long-time Macksville resident Frank Pithers said the trees were an important part of the ambience of the town.

"The shade, the trees, the river, the bridge - that is what Macksville is, that is the town's ambience," Frank said.

The consultation period is open until April 30 and the report titled 'An assessment on the health and structure of nine trees', is available on the council's website. 

Written submissions are welcome, either by email to council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au or to The General Manager, PO Box 177 Macksville NSW 2447.

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