THE BATTLE to save the kaffir plum trees on the banks of the Nambucca at Macksville has ramped up - with the number of people signing the petition hitting 600.
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Campaigners Mickey Hawkes and Fiona Perry presented 90 more signatures to Nambucca Shire Council today - and are hopeful of a few more before public consultation on the fate of the trees closes on Tuesday.
The 40-year-old trees near the old iron highway bridge provide shade and atmosphere to the popular public recreation area off River St - but they are nearing their 'end date' and there's a thought that they should be taken out.
But Mickey said the trees aren't failing yet - and now is the time to plant more trees in the area so that when the plums die, a new canopy will be in place.
"We need to maintain the canopy and the tree planting should be an ongoing process," she told the Guardian.
"We certainly don't want to see the kaffir plums cut down until they are actually failing."
While Mickey and Fiona said they would like to see public debate on what sort of trees might be planted in the area, Mickey is leaning toward "poincianas and maybe a brushbox".
The campaigners are hopeful of reaching a win-win position with council.
"Consultation ends on Tuesday, but we don't want to see the chainsaws out the next morning. It's important that the post-consultation process is transparent," Mickey said.
Written submissions are welcome, either by email to council@nambucca.nsw.gov.au or to The General Manager, PO Box 177 Macksville NSW 2447 on or before April 30.
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