The future of Merriwa Park
Published on 17 July 2023
Rural City of Wangaratta confirms that several trees considered high / extreme risk in Merriwa Park are being reviewed for possible removal. A strategic replacement plan, and engagement on the use of the hardwood will be developed in consultation with the community and user groups.
In line with the long-term actions of the Merriwa Park Master Plan, adopted by Council in early 2022, Council undertakes a half-yearly Arborist Assessment and operates a proactive Tree Risk Management system to evaluate and mitigate potential issues and avoid hazardous incidents. In assessing the ongoing risk of the trees, Council has undertaken and commissioned several internal and external risk assessments leading to the recommendation for the removal of up to 12 red gum trees within the boundary of the park and habitat pruning several others.
A tree is considered high risk if it contains a defect that will likely result in failure and, if it is in line of a potential target, such as people, infrastructure, or property, likely to be harmed in the case of failure.
Rural City of Wangaratta officers are required to make a formal planning permit application for the removal of some of the affected trees, while others will be exempt from the permit process. No tree will be removed until necessary planning permits have been obtained.
Acting Mayor, Councillor Harry Bussell understands that the gums are much loved during the summer for their provision of shade but urges those divided on the issue to consider the potential risk.
''Over the past 12 months, we have seen four large gum trees fall in Merriwa Park. Luckily these have fallen without any impact to people walking in the park, or to local infrastructure. We have also had to relocate events from the park including the Ball. Some of the existing trees pose a continued risk to the community that is unacceptable, which cannot reasonably be minimised to a tolerable level, and therefore their removal is warranted", he said.
“This is not something we wanted to do but an operational decision was made by officers based on Council adopted policies and risk. ’The change in risk rating is due mainly due to extended periods of high-water table in Merriwa Park and is it clear now from the Arborist’s assessments that some trees now should removed’’, he confirmed.
A long-term strategic plan is being developed to continue replacing the mature trees, as opportunity presents, due to the role that the trees play as habitat for local wildlife and in the environment for open lawn picnic areas. Community input will be sought on the plan’s development.
"As we remove mature trees, the surrounding ground will be affected, and remaining trees will be further exposed to elements and environmental factors that previously they may not have been exposed to, wind being the biggest influence", Marcus Goonan, Director Community and Infrastructure said.
"This may cause instability and may impact the retention of the remaining trees; these impacts may not be seen for many years", he added.
"There are many tree species, exotic and native, that are better suited for a wetter environment. Merriwa Park having a high-water table makes plant selection important as no amount of engineering will eliminate the water table, so species selection should focus on trees that can thrive in a flooded environment", he said.
Rural City of Wangaratta also welcomes the opportunity to work with the community on the potential uses of the hardwood of the removed trees. A community engagement project will be ignited relating to this topic, in due course, and Acting Mayor, Harry Bussell, encourages everyone to have their say.
"The potential is endless for the use of the harvested wood, floorboards, park benches, or even artwork. It would be great to see the wood get used in a place where future generations could enjoy it", he said.
Works will commence on the removal of affected tress in the coming weeks and residents in the surrounding area will be informed of potential noise. The park will remain closed for considerations of safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would the trees need to be removed?
• Council has undertaken and commissioned several internal and external risk assessments leading to the recommendation to remove up to 12 red gum trees within the boundary of the park and habitat pruning several others.
• The trees are considered high / extreme risk.
• A tree is considered high risk if it contains a defect that will likely result in failure and, if it is in line of a potential target, such as people, infrastructure, or property, likely to be harmed in the case of failure.
• The trees in question pose a continued risk to the community and to infrastructure that is unacceptable, and which cannot reasonably be minimised to a tolerable level, and therefore their removal is warranted.
What process was followed in deciding on the removal of the trees?
• Council completes several types of tree inspections. These inspections are generally categorised as reactive or proactive, of which there are several types.
• In line with the long-term actions of the Merriwa Park Master Plan, adopted by Council in early 2022, Council undertakes a half-yearly Arborist Assessment and operates a proactive Tree Risk Management system to evaluate and mitigate potential issues and avoid hazardous incidents.
• Council have had an external Quantified Tree Risk assessment completed which continues to show the general risk is acceptable. To assist with capturing tree risks closely related to community concerns, we have also undertaken risk assessments to factor in infrastructure loss. These assessments have shown the risk of tree fall for some trees to be extreme.
• Officers will now need to seek a planning permit for removal of some of these trees, this may involve a public exhibition period.
• No trees can be removed until the final status of the trees has been established or a planning permit has been granted.
Why does Merriwa Park have a high-water table, and can anything be done to avail the flooding issues?
• The Rural City of Wangaratta is a known flooding zone and, unfortunately no amount of engineering will eliminate the water table.
• Merriwa Park is protected by a levee, but the location is sunken in nature, and exposed to a limited amount of drying sun, which exacerbates the ground water issues.
What is being done to protect wildlife habitats through the removal of trees?
• All wildlife will be removed and re-homed before any trees are touched.
• Wildlife spotters will also be on hand during the works, just in case.
• The root balls, where appropriate, will be given to NECMA to install into our river system as native fish habit.
A key pillar in the Merriwa Master Plan is to retain and protect the red gums forest and lawn picnic areas, why can this not be done?
• We know the gums are well-loved for their provision of shade during summer months and we seek to retain trees where it is safe to do so.
• The trees now post a direct risk to infrastructure or people, mainly due to the extended periods that the trees had roots sitting in water.
• It is well known that the root balls of these gum trees are particularly shallow (due to water table and irrigation), and this contributes to their overall instability.
What will be done with the wood?
• A community engagement project will be ignited relating to the potential uses of the wood, in due course, and everyone is encouraged to have their say.
• Rural City of Wangaratta welcomes the opportunity to work with the community on the potential uses of the hardwood of the removed trees.
Is there a plan to plant more trees?
• A long-term strategic plan is being developed to continue replacing the mature trees as opportunity presents, and species selection should focus on trees that can thrive in a flooded environment.
• Community input will be sought on the plan’s development.
When will works commence?
• No trees can be removed until the final status of the trees has been established or a planning permit has been granted.
• Works will commence once the above is complete (if approved) tress residents in the surrounding area will be informed of potential noise.
• Community will be updated with any developments to the project.
• The park will remain closed for considerations of safety.