A Perth council says it “deeply regrets” a mishap that saw 46 trees mistakenly cut down at a popular park during an $8.1 million redevelopment.
The 4.6-hectare Elizabeth Baillie Park is being upgraded to include 43 new trees and 23,160 new plants, while the accompanying heritage-listed house is being transformed into a hospitality and entertainment district.
As construction nears its end, the Town of Victoria Park has reviewed the works only to find that dozens more trees have been removed than the 30 that had been authorised.
A Perth council has been forced to apologise after 46 trees were mistakenly cut down at a popular park during an $8.1 million redevelopment. (Facebook)
It is unclear exactly how it happened, but the town believes it is likely due to the poor condition of some trees, inadequate site management, and the need to accommodate new infrastructure within the park.
The town said the removals fell short of expectations and accepted full responsibility.
”The town deeply regrets this outcome and takes full responsibility,” it said in a statement this week.
“We pride ourselves on environmental stewardship, responsible planning, and community trust. In this instance, we failed to meet these standards, and we are deeply sorry.
“We understand how important the Elizabeth Baillie Precinct is to the community, and we remain committed to restoring and enhancing the space for future generations to enjoy.”
Mayor Karen Vernon at the construction site earlier this year. (Facebook)
Mayor Karen Vernon issued her own public apology, saying the incident is “deeply disappointing and devastating”.
“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,” she said in a statement.
“Although the town has undertaken a review in recent weeks that uncovered this issue, I have called for the town to conduct a thorough investigation into how this occurred, and 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.”
To make up for the mishap, the town has vowed to plant at least 51 more trees after construction is completed around the end of this year.
It will also ensure remaining trees are well cared for, trees are appropriately protected during the final stages of construction, increase the frequency of independent arborist assessments and review tree removal processes across all current and future projects.
Residents were overwhelmingly unimpressed with the town’s statement. (Facebook)
Residents were overwhelmingly unimpressed with the town’s statement, taking to social media to say “the ball has been dropped” and it was a “huge oversight”.
”Tree Protection zones are a basic requirement of any construction project. There are Australian Standards and they should be included in all projects working in close proximity to trees that are being kept. I walked past this site weekly and could see it happening in real time,” one resident said.
“But the simple homeowner gets flogged for cutting back one tree in their backyard. Dead set double standard,” another wrote.
“This all means nothing if the trees are not replaced with mature trees,” a third added.
The site, initially a maternity hospital in 1912, has held a significant place in the state’s history and has served several healthcare roles over the years.
The government acquired the land about eight years later, after the Spanish influenza hit the city and more than 500 people died.
The town made the park and building’s redevelopment its “top priority” after it inherited the site from the state government in 2006. (Town of Victoria Park)
The town made the park and building’s redevelopment its “top priority” after it inherited the site from the state government in 2006.
The federal government committed $4 million to the project.
The park has been temporarily closed since construction began last year.
