Town of Victoria Park Council Mayor, Karen Vernon, has issued a public apology after it was revealed Council staff had mistakenly removed 65 trees as part of an $8.1m redevelopment of Elizabeth Baillie Park.
In a statement, the Mayor (pictured) said the Council accepted full responsibility for the losses.
“Losing 65 trees during the course of construction that were not planned to be removed, despite the reasons for their removal, is deeply disappointing and devastating,” said Mayor Vernon.
“Learning that 46 of those trees were removed as a result of a failure of the Town’s systems and processes in managing this project, and without notice to our community, is completely unacceptable.”
The Mayor said the Council will conduct a thorough investigation into how the decision to remove the trees occurred, and will bring a full report to Council.
“I add my sincere apologies to our community for what has occurred. It is simply not good enough. You deserve better from Council and the Town,” she said.
“I am committed to doing everything possible to identify the errors made by the Town, who is responsible, what can be done and taking action to prevent future losses.”
The redevelopment of the 4.7-hectare site in East Victoria Park is being undertaken alongside a major redevelopment of the historic Elizabeth Baillie House to create a local hospitality precinct.
The Council originally approved the removal of 11 trees which it identified as being either in poor health or to meet safety requirements.
To offset the loss of the 65 trees, Council says it now intends to plant more than 94 new trees.
