City of Kingston Council is calling on the Victorian Government to immediately halt the destruction of mature native vegetation at Groves Reserve, Aspendale, following continued tree removals by the Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP).
Council has urgently escalated the matter, unanimously passing a resolution at its recent meeting, demanding action from the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Gabrielle Williams.
Mayor, Georgina Oxley expressed her “deep frustration” at what she says is the lack of response from the State Government while witnessing the continued loss of Coastal Banksia trees – some of which are more than 180 years old.
“The removal of these trees is an unacceptable environmental loss for our community,” Mayor Oxley said.
“Groves Reserve holds immense historical and ecological value, and it is devastating to see trees continue to be cut down despite our repeated calls for a reprieve.”
The Council is calling for an urgent meeting with Minister Williams and the Member for Mordialloc, Tim Richardson, to discuss an immediate halt to tree removals and explore alternative solutions.
“Our community has made it clear – they want these trees protected,” Mayor Oxley said.
“Council has offered our urban design expertise to help realign the shared user path and other services in a way that minimises vegetation loss. There are better ways to deliver this project without destroying our precious green spaces. “
Council has also requested a full assessment of all remaining trees in the works area and a review of planned future infrastructure projects to ensure similar large-scale environmental destruction does not occur again.
“We cannot continue to see important native vegetation sacrificed in the name of progress,” Mayor Oxley said.
“The State Government must take immediate action to halt these works and work with us to find a better way forward.”
