Window dressing

NARRE Warren North has a dedicated avenue to honour the memories of soldiers that represented our area in World War I.
Oak trees line the roadways into the township and as residents we receive the pleasure and have a responsibility to the avenue.
Climate, development and apathy are these mature trees opponents.
The pressure to ensure everything is done to preserve the avenue can only be directed to Casey Council.
Council will argue maintenance is ongoing, citing current programs in spreading mulch under some of these trees and trimming branches when large trucks rip limbs off.
This can only be described as window dressing before the house is demolished.
The new shopping centre car park is poorly designed, at busy times cars and trucks park under the trees and along the roadway.
Mature trees directly in front of the shopping centre are directly under pressure; as a result a tree died and was removed in recent months.
Casey Council’s long term planning for maintaining the avenue’s future has no credibility.
Mature trees that are removed are generally not replaced for months or years.
When trees are replaced, as happened about four weeks ago on the corner of Memorial Drive and Robinson Road, they are small specimens or oak trees, which make them easy prey for selfish and self-centred thieves.
It’s hoped the garden feature of such thieves reminds them of the sacrifice of local families of this area.
As for this despicable act, Casey Council will use this as an excuse not to replace and delay other trees.
Casey mayor Shar Balmes is well aware of this and other serious matters of unmaintained mature trees in this area.
A tree within Clare Robinson Reserve where Carols by Candlelight is due is extremely dangerous. Council promised its removal but has not delivered.
David McKenzie,
Narre Warren North.