Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan

Eric Frei · 1st December 2011, 08:13 AM

Who gives a fig - Cut down the figs rally tonight.

6.30pm Civic park tonight (Thursday 1 December). Council is meeting and the figs are on the agenda so timing is good.

Show your support for council's decision to cut the trees down.

Let SOF know that they do not speak on everyone's behalf and you do not appreciate $1million being wasted on belligerence and ignorance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Frei

Now here's some quotes from Claus Mattheck and Helge Breloer The Body Language of Trees 1998 page 6.

Quote:

Whatever measures we adopt to minimise the risks from trees, we must guard against taking one-sided or extreme views which can never contribute to the solution of the problem facing us. The unnecessary felling of trees is one type of extreme action, but it is equally extreme to try to preserve every tree at all costs, which is the standpoint of many "greens" of very varied groupings. The compromise between these opposing forces do not always produce a pretty sight. Thus, many old trees and in particular historically significant trees and trees' 'protected' as natural memorials are often 'rejuvenated' out of all recognition; that is to say they are mutilated by being cut back and for safety squeezed into a corset of steel bars and screws.

And from page 8:-

Quote:

This is where the relationship between statutory duties for safety and responsibility toward trees begins. Sometimes managers need the courage to make unpopular decisions, as in the case of an avenue that can no longer be maintained and must be completely replanted to recreate a lovely townscape for our children and their children. We must learn to see not only the particular case but to design concepts for the whole. Thus, there may be individual trees in a valuable, historic park which cannot be made safe without prohibitive cost and which will otherwise be lost one by one. The task is one redesigning the park, and should be placed in the hands of a suitable expert ...

I think the Safe our Figs is a mob far from being experts and what we have witnessed here is an extremist group costing people hundreds of thousands of dollars for an outcome that will forever perpetuate the same conflict until a council with foresight, courage and expertise recreates the new Laman street regardless of what PROTESTERS do.

Eric Frei · 2nd December 2011, 06:00 AM

Well what a debacle last night in Newcastle with the mob getting violent, here's a pic of the opposition to SOF and the newspaper story below.

Outside the chamber, a group of about 40 counter protesters chanted ‘‘chop, chop, chop’’ over a megaphone.

Fig debate turns ugly, police called - Local News - News - General - Newcastle Herald

Quote:

Fig debate turns ugly, police called
BEN SMEE
02 Dec, 2011 04:00 AM

BLOCKED: A protester confronts Newcastle council’s John Johnston last night. – Picture by Max Mason-Hubers

LAST night’s Newcastle City Council meeting ended with allegations of assault, attempts to physically prevent councillors from leaving City Hall, and a decision that means the Laman Street fig trees are for the chop.

Councillors voted seven to four against a motion for a state government-backed assessment of the fig trees. Earlier in the night, state MP Tim Owen had spoken to councillors and strongly suggested they take up the offer.

An ugly confrontation broke out immediately after the meeting, when councillors who voted against the assessment tried to leave the council chambers.

A large number of protesters, who reacted angrily to the vote, attempted to block a group of councillors and council staff members from leaving.

Cr Mike King was jostled by several protesters in the corridor. As he moved past, a woman fell to the ground.

Police were investigating last night allegations that she was assaulted.

The council’s infrastructure services manager, John Johnston, was pushed, jostled and abused as he made his way down the City Hall steps. Members of the public followed councillors outside as they walked from the building.

When the meeting closed, lord mayor John Tate said he would call for an inquiry into the council, specifically looking into the fig tree debacle and other controversial issues such as the lighting in Novocastrian Park.

‘‘As a matter of urgency, the department [of local government] needs to bring in local government inspectors about what happened here.

‘‘There’s only three weeks to Christmas and I don’t think [the removal of the fig trees] is what the city needs,’’ Cr Tate said.

Cr Michael Osborne said after the meeting that he would lodge a rescission motion, which would bring the matter back to the council for another debate.

The effect of the failed vote is that the council can notionally implement its July decision to remove and replace the trees, as soon as a court injunction is lifted.

A NSW Land and Environment Court hearing is set for December 5 and 6.

Cr Osborne moved that the council accept Premier Barry O’Farrell’s offer of a state government arborist to review and assess the risk of the fig trees.

He said he put the motion at Mr Owen’s suggestion.

‘‘If all that is done and a report is brought back to the council, then surely we’ll have a proper resolution of the issue,’’ Cr Osborne said.

Mr Owen’s Liberal colleagues, Brad Luke and Mike Jackson, both voted against the assessment, along with Mike King, Aaron Buman, Bob Cook, Graham Boyd and Scott Sharpe.

Cr Luke said the council was wasting $6000 a day while the saga dragged on.

When the vote was lost, Cr Sharon Claydon withdrew a foreshadowed motion and the meeting was closed.

About 70 Save Our Figs protesters were inside the chamber and shouted ‘‘shame’’ and described the vote as ‘‘the blackest day’’ in the council’s history.

Spokeswoman Fee Mozeley said she was stunned that councillors rejected the independent assessment offer.

‘‘To be that bloody-minded ... is outrageous,’’ Ms Mozeley said.

Outside the chamber, a group of about 40 counter protesters chanted ‘‘chop, chop, chop’’ over a megaphone.

Police were called by security guards when ugly clashes erupted and were still taking statements late last night.

Eric Frei · 3rd December 2011, 05:30 AM

The SOF MOB has quit their cause but as 90 days lapsed last month (November) a new rescission motion can be brought forward by .... hello, councillors. And guess what, it appears one of them, Councillor Michael Osborne, will be doing that. Just waste more time and money, good on you mate!

Quote:

Save Our Figs abandon legal battle over Laman Street
GABRIEL WINGATE-PEARSE
02 Dec, 2011 03:42 PM

The legal battle against Newcastle City Council over the Laman Street figs has been abandoned by Save Our Figs, paving the way for the removal of the trees.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Newcastle City Council general manager Phil Pearce said it was at Save Our Figs’ request that the Land and Environment Court proceedings be terminated, putting an end to hearings set down for Monday and Tuesday.

‘‘Council consented to this termination and the Court has now ordered that the injunction to halt the removal of the trees be dissolved, the matter be dismissed and each party pay their own legal costs,’’ he said.

Save Our Figs solicitor Catherine Henry confirmed that there were now no grounds to proceed with the legal proceedings, which were designed to ensure the council and the general manager gave proper consideration to the State Government’s offer of an independent arborist’s assessment of the figs.

‘‘Our case has essentially gone away,’’ Ms Henry said.

‘‘Now, as they have considered and rejected the premier’s invitation, the proceedings have by consent been dissolved his morning.’’

Save Our Figs was now considering its options, she said.

Councillor Michael Osborne indicated on Thursday night that he would be lodging a rescission motion which would bring the mater back to the council for another debate.

Councillor Mike King, who has voted for the removal of the figs, said 90 days have lapsed since a rescission motion was lodged in relation to the council’s July 17 decision to remove the trees.

‘‘That has lapsed, so they can bring another one,’’ Cr King said.

Mr Pearce said he was disappointed in the behaviour of some people who gathered at City Hall on Thursday night when the council voted against a motion requesting the state government to carry out another assessment on the fig trees.

‘‘I have on numerous occasions implored all parties to remain calm and behave in a respectful manner toward each other,’’ he said.

‘‘I have also stated that in all Council activities safety is my number one priority...

‘‘While I understand not everyone is happy with last night’s decision, the actions of some people at the conclusion of the meeting contributed to the endangerment of the personal safety of all present.

Harassment of Councillors and Council officers who are carrying out their duties is simply not acceptable.’’

Mr Pearce said he hoped any continued protest at Civic Park was conducted in a ‘‘respectful manner’’ and called on participants to be considerate and not interfere with the planned Hunter Arts Network’s annual Art Bazaar.

‘‘I acknowledge this is a complex, challenging and emotional time for the city. However, the assertion that the elected Council has not thoroughly considered this matter cannot be supported.’’

Council’s insurer Statewide Mutual has advised the council they will extend their coverage until 31 January 2012.

‘‘I again seek the community’s co-operation to achieve a peaceful and constructive resolution to this issue.’’

Eric Frei · 8th December 2011, 04:40 PM

I'd say it's over when the fat lady sings ...... but here's what "they" reckon.

Labor councillors give up Laman St fig fight - Local News - News - General - Newcastle Herald

Quote:

Labor councillors give up Laman St fig fight
BY BEN SMEE
08 Dec, 2011 06:06 AM
THE Laman Street fig trees are finally set for the chop after Newcastle Labor councillors effectively conceded defeat yesterday in the long-running and costly dispute.

Councillors Sharon Claydon, Tim Crakanthorp and Nuatali Nelmes said in a statement they would withdraw a key motion to close Laman Street to vehicular traffic, citing a lack of numbers within the council chamber and ongoing costs.

‘‘To prolong this situation any further is a waste of ratepayers’ money and resources,’’ the councillors said.

More significantly, the decision leaves Greens councillor Michael Osborne unable to lodge a rescission motion to stop the figs’ removal.

Three signatures are required, and the motion is only backed by Cr Osborne and lord mayor John Tate.

‘‘I was hoping one of the Labor councillors would sign [the rescission motion],’’ Cr Osborne said.

‘‘It’s very disappointing.’’

The fiasco has cost the council more than $1.5 million and involved 22 council debates.

It now appears extremely unlikely the future of the 14 fig trees will be debated again.

A council spokeswoman said yesterday it could now proceed with the removal of the trees ‘‘as soon as practical’’ in line with the vote from July.

But the Newcastle Herald understands it is unlikely that work will begin before the year’s end.

The council said a number of logistical factors needed to be considered. The city’s art gallery and library would need to be closed, and resistance to that idea was expected.

It is also unlikely that significant police resources will be available to support ‘‘Operation Beanstalk’’ over the Christmas period.

Cr Bob Cook welcomed the councillors’ decision and urged the council administration to proceed ‘‘as soon as possible’’.

Labor councillors advised council staff they would formally withdraw their plan late yesterday.

‘‘We acknowledge that we do not have the support of the majority of councillors and, as such, we will not proceed any further with our motion,’’ the statement said.

pukunui · 8th December 2011, 05:49 PM

I'll believe it when i see a big pile of chip and the stump grinders are firing up.

Eric Frei · 9th December 2011, 06:04 PM

In an email dated Date: Fri, 9 Dec 2011 10:51:23 +1100 sent to Bob Cook from Mark Hartley he wrote this about us here.

Quote:

The only support council has is from a group on a forum (who have been fed propaganda by NCC with the hope of it causing damage to the SoF group)

He got all worked up about the PDF Bob Cook sent out, attached, a great read which does a lot of untwisting SIR (from Hutt River Province)!

Eric Frei · 11th December 2011, 03:41 PM

Clearly Hutt River Sir is wrong because there is also this site supporting NCC.

Who gives a fig - Cut down the figs - Wall | Facebook

Apocalypsse · 13th December 2011, 05:15 PM

LoL I like this part:

Quote:

50 Murderer, Murderer! You are a murderer!
SOF legal representative, in Laman St, with witnesses. 7 Oct 11

This is a serious lie, I am not a murderer.

Lots of poor comments there by Arborists. #45, the ENSPEC one comes as a surprise, was expecting more from a company who current technology to assess trees and not just visual assessments. He was probably just upset council didn't fork out $93k to get the trees tested with their method.

Jeff Darby · 28th December 2011, 07:22 PM

After all the inspections there's no need for this man to travel to Newcastle just to have a look, the looking's done. All this will do is reignite all emotional violent protesters once more ! Dont bother!!...

Here's a link to a thread discussing QTRA... QTRA n tree risks management with oz

Quote:

News Local News News General Expert denied fig dig
Expert denied fig dig
BY MATTHEW KELLY, ENVIRONMENT REPORTER
26 Dec, 2011 04:00 AM
AN internationally respected arborist who developed a tree-risk assessment method used by Newcastle City Council has been denied access to the Laman Street figs.
UK-based Mike Ellison had hoped to travel to Australia to inspect the barricaded trees for himself on December 29.

In his request, forwarded to the council by lord mayor John Tate on behalf of Save Our Figs, Mr Ellison asked to photograph the trees and tap parts of them with a nylon sounding hammer.

He also sought permission to scrape loose soil away from surface roots, probe the ground with a six millimetre steel bar and use a mircodrill to test for decay.

Mr Ellison, who developed the widely used Quantified Tree Risk Assessment system, estimated the inspection would take four hours.

In refusing the request on December 22, Liveable City director Frank Cordingley said the proposed inspection would be the equivalent of an independent assessment, which the council had voted against.

‘‘This is apparently seeking sanction for an independent assessment, which council has already considered and denied,’’ he wrote in a memo to councillors.

Mr Cordingley argued the proposed inspection would not address the circumstances in Laman Street.

‘‘Nothing further can be learned about the already well-established facts of root and crown asymmetry by scraping soil away from surface roots using a trowel,’’ he said.

‘‘Mr Ellison is at liberty to view the trees from outside the exclusion zone, use binoculars, take pictures etc, but will not be allowed inside the worksite.’’

Save Our Figs spokeswoman Caity Raschke said the access refusal reflected the council’s desperation to have them removed.

‘‘The number of people who believe those trees are a safety hazard is very small,’’ Dr Raschke said.

‘‘Numerous international experts believe they are safe.

‘‘The council doesn’t want an independent assessment but we believe it is essential.’’

Expert denied fig dig - Local News - News - General - Newcastle Herald

Jeff Darby · 28th December 2011, 07:31 PM

However he's coming anyway just to peek through the fences

if it makes him happy

lol

Quote:

‘‘Mr Ellison is at liberty to view the trees from outside the exclusion zone, use binoculars, take pictures etc, but will not be allowed inside the worksite.’’

Quote:

News Local News News General Arborist to give figs the once over
Arborist to give figs the once over
BY MATTHEW KELLY
28 Dec, 2011 04:00 AM
INTERNATIONALLY recognised tree risk assessment expert Mike Ellison will inspect Newcastle’s Laman Street figs next week despite being banned from touching them.
The UK-based arborist said he was disappointed that Newcastle City Council would not allow him to physically inspect the trees, however, he was still keen to carry out a visual inspection.

‘‘I will probably be able to take a sufficient view to inform what would ordinarily be a reasonable risk assessment,’’ he said yesterday.

Mr Ellison, who visited Laman Street earlier this year and reviewed available documentation, said he had formed the view that the trees were generally stable.

‘‘It seems unlikely that the trees present a particularly high risk, but I would like to take a look at some of the issues that have been raised by others before producing my risk assessment,’’ he said.

Mr Ellison created the widely used Quantified Tree Risk Assessment method, which has been used in four of the five consultant reports on the trees.

He initially sought permission to tap the trees with a sounding hammer, scrape loose soil from the surface roots, probe the ground with a six-millimetre steel bar and use a microdrill to test for decay.

But the request was denied on the basis that the proposed inspection would be the equivalent of an independent inspection, which the council had voted against.

Liveable City director Frank Cordingley told councillors in an internal memo that he believed Mr Ellison’s proposed inspection would not address the underlying circumstances in Laman Street.

‘‘Nothing further can be learnt about the already well established facts of root and crown asymmetry, by scraping soil away from surface roots using a trowel,’’ he said.

Expert denied fig dig - Local News - News - General - Newcastle Herald

Darrell Mcleod · 29th December 2011, 06:55 AM

Mike Ellison apparently arrives this morning

Quote:

Save Our Figs pay for UK arborist visit
BEN SMEE
29 Dec, 2011 04:00 AM
SAVE Our Figs revealed yesterday it had paid for United Kingdom-based arborist Mike Ellison to visit Australia and assess the Laman Street figs.
The lobby group also conceded any figs study - either from Mr Ellison or those paid for by council - could not be considered "independent".
Until yesterday it was not known publicly who was paying for his Newcastle trip or even when he would arrive.
The Newcastle Herald can confirm Mr Ellison is due to touch down in Australia this morning.
Fig supporters have argued for months that Newcastle City Council has not been transparent in its dealings while Save Our Figs criticised the council on Monday and Tuesday for refusing Mr Ellison access to the trees.
Save Our Figs spokeswoman Caity Raschke rejected suggestions the group had not made clear its financial arrangement with Mr Ellison.
"Why would he come for nothing?" Dr Raschke said. "If the inference is that [because] we're paying him then his study [is invalid], then surely all the council's so-called independent studies are [invalid].
"What we've wanted from the beginning is a true independent assessment."
Mr Ellison, who invented the risk assessment method used by the council and other groups worldwide, will carry out a visual inspection of the trees.
Cr Graham Boyd said the value of Mr Ellison's report would be questionable, after the arborist told the Herald that it "seems unlikely" the trees present a particularly high risk.
"I note that Mr Ellison has formed an opinion . . . prior to his visual inspection, so being restricted from accessing the trees should not prove a problem in producing his report," he said.
"Council, through its decision-making processes, has resolved that there will be no further assessments and that these trees will be removed and replaced.
"Director [Frank] Cordingley has made the correct decision in light of council's resolutions."
After being informed by the Herald yesterday about who had paid Mr Ellison's airfares, the council released a statement outlining reasons why he was denied access. They included that he "cannot be regarded as independent" due to Save Our Figs funding and because he employs Mark Hartley, who was previously commissioned by Save Our Figs to study the trees.
"Mr Ellison's proposed inspection methods do not address the circumstances in Laman Street," the statement said.

Save Our Figs pay for UK arborist visit - Local News - News - Environment - Newcastle Herald

Quote:

and because he employs Mark Hartley, who was previously commissioned by Save Our Figs to study the trees.

Can someone ring this reporter and let him know really?

Shouldn't it be Sir Mark??

Eric Frei · 31st December 2011, 07:53 AM

Yawn ..... just another POM on tour payed for by desperate Aussies.

Any sensible person would have cleared with council for him to inspect the trees before getting him out, otherwise just a waste of time. But not so, it was not a waste of time because the SOF mob got him out regardless so they could get attention via the press, which they did, and Tate could have a cry and make everything look so boohoo bad. All staged bullshit frankly and it shows a strategic move to not only make our arborists look bad but to get international attention for these DRAMA QUEENS.

Over in Sweden I think recently the reknown TV-Tree was felled, boy there was a lot of arborists have a big cry over that one too. It was already a cabled monstrosity that had a 3m increase in grade around the tree. They built a rock wall just out from the trunk and filled away, and in a video I saw a guy was tapping on the trunk and you could hear it was hollow, who knows about the buttress roots etc. Anyway as the tree sat in a traffic island with cars/buses etc passing all around and the area around the tree was a pedestrian refuge the road authority felled it. There's videos etc but again same sort of DRAMA MAMA.

This is all an act, a stage show with little regard for the big picture. Pulling in people from overseas means to me a desperate state of affairs, and again no matter how good that bloke is they bring in his perspective, knowledge and local experience is tainted.

Anyone see the Arboriculture Australia (Crude Aussie version of ISA) travel expenses bill?

Well here you go, better start asking questions about all those expenses. Hartley is one of the Directors, I believe there is 14 of them, more than BHP has.

I read somewhere else another org signing up MU's with arb orgs, building bridges they called it, could also be building boundaries and fences. Honestly, as you read this stop and think, would your career as an arborist be worse off if you were to go against the org and argue with the seniors about their decisions/methods etc? I bet most would feel worse off so you belong and shut up, perhaps even be pleasant and agree with the tossers just so you are not adversely impacted upon. Now the Mafia runs the same, you pay them protection money so your business is not destroyed, but who will protect it? The very people you pay the money to, who will destroy it, the people you stop paying money to. Listen to this. The solution is ATA.

Eric Frei · 1st January 2012, 06:54 PM

I just received a call from Mark Hartley, he says, " Your an absolutely dumb prick as I am not even a Director anymore, your just a dumb bastard" that's all I heard as I hung up on him.

He rang again, private number (same as first call) but I didn't answer.

Sort of cements what I have been saying.

And now the barrage of calls continues, seems the usual New Years thing eh. Just now another private call, just like last time.

Now their website is so new and up to date that they do not list their directors and ASIC does have some changes noted 15 November 2011.

And I have more messages.

Eric Frei · 2nd January 2012, 07:12 AM

Below is a copied post from this thread, Tree Report| Caloundra Figs to get the chop

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

These trees when I visited last in late November were still there.

And now this.

So lucky! | Sunshine Coast News | Local News in Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast Daily

Quote:

So lucky!

Damian Bathersby | 24th December 2011

Lucky to escape.

A BRISBANE mum and her young daughter were left shaken but uninjured after a fig tree crushed their vehicle as they drove down a main Sunshine Coast thoroughfare late yesterday.

Sue Adams and daughter Lauren, 11, were contending with Christmas snarls in the rain about 5.30pm, when they found themselves trapped under an avalanche of branches and foliage.

The tree had snapped at its base.

The incident happened in busy Bulcock St, in the heart of Caloundra.

"We heard this huge crack and thought it was a bolt of lightning," Mrs Adams said.

"Then this huge tree came down on top of the car. We just sat there in shock for a minute, looking at each other in amazement."

The limbs of the fig tree came down across the bonnet and roof of the car's passenger side.

"One minute we were driving along, minding our own business and the next we were trapped in the car," Mrs Adams said.

"If we hadn't been in the car - if we'd been walking across the road - we would have been crushed.

"I guess I'm just trying to be brave for Lauren right now," she said last night. "It's still sinking in."

The fig trees lining Bulcock St have been at the centre of debate this year as the Sunshine Coast Council's plan to replace them met with criticism from sections of the community.

The Caloundra councillor, Deputy Mayor Tim Dwyer, has supported plans to replace the trees over the next 20 years.

"Safety was definitely one of the reasons for replacing them," he said.

Work gangs were still clearing Bulcock St late last night.

Enspec did the original report in the first post is their report.

I am unsure exactly which tree fell but will find out, then research Enspec's report for that specific tree.

Weather conditions around the time of the event (which I think was 23 December 2011) have been loaded up in PDF form for the month from BOM. Interesting to note that there were stronger winds earlier in the month than on that day.

Eric Frei · 11th January 2012, 01:40 PM

<yawn> .... now lets see what happens.

Fig removal arrangements made - Local News - News - General - Newcastle Herald

Quote:

Fig removal arrangements made
BY BEN SMEE, CIVIC REPORTER
10 Jan, 2012 04:00 AM

NEWCASTLE City Council says it will act ‘‘as soon as possible’’ to remove the Laman Street figs and is working with police to complete arrangements.

The council last voted on December 2, but has not attempted to bring in chainsaws in the meantime.

Heated protests, similar to scenes when the council first acted to remove the trees, are expected.

‘‘Council will carry out the resolution to remove and replace the Laman Street figs as soon as possible,’’ a spokeswoman said.

‘‘As has been indicated previously, council’s primary concern is the safety of the contractors, staff and public.

‘‘Vigorous protest activity during previous attempts to remove the trees has shown that police support is needed during the operation to ensure the work site remains safe.’’

The last attempt to remove the trees involved more than 80 general duties and specialist police from throughout the Hunter.

‘‘We are currently working with police to determine when the required level of support will be available,’’ the spokeswoman said.

Jeff Darby · 17th January 2012, 05:25 PM

Fig protestors plead not guilty - Local News - News - Crime and Law - Newcastle Herald

Quote:

Fig protestors plead not guilty
17 Jan, 2012 01:48 PM
A GROUP of protestors arrested during Laman Street fig demonstrations last year pleaded not guilty to a range of charges this morning.
The protestors, represented by barrister Mark Preece, were charged with offences including trespassing and not obeying police directions following protests in October and November last year.

Their cases were adjourned to March when hearing dates are expected to be set down.

we didnt do it your honour...

We didn't do it

just check out the bloke that runs over to interfer with the officer trying to do his job 2.06 in then he calls him out...shame...shame.

Apocalypsse · 18th January 2012, 12:20 AM

Thats soo bad, theres other videos of the protesters doing their thing too. I'm surprised there no more recordings of the actual work being done, I wanted to see what they were going to do with that crane.

Tony Knight · 18th January 2012, 09:11 AM

Your honour, that officer intentionally interfered with me as I carried out my duty as a scumbag.

I can't ssem to find much news on Monday nights good old SOF's clan meeting. What did Allison have to say (I can guess), and who is Dr David Lonsdal and whats with his report preferenced by admissision that he is not qualified?

Final hours in the Laman Street fig saga - Local News - News - General - Newcastle Star

Quote:

Final hours in the Laman Street fig saga
18 Jan, 2012 01:00 AM
THE Laman Street fig debate could soon come to a close.
Newcastle City Council has vowed to "remove and replace" the controversial trees "as soon as possible," a spokeswoman said.

But, with more mass protesting expected, a removal date has not yet been set.

"Police support is needed during the operation to ensure the worksite remains safe - we are currently working with police to determine when the required level of support will be available," the spokeswoman said.

However, Save Our Figs refuse to give up.

The group last week presented the findings of arborist Dr David Lonsdale, who wrote a report upon Save Our Figs' request.

Dr Lonsdale raised concerns about the probability of the trees' failure, although he also stated that he does not consider himself qualified to provide any specific advice on the Laman Street matter.

"My general opinion is that a remarkable amount of painstaking work has been devoted to the assessment and evaluation of the trees concerned," he wrote.

But the council said in a statement that the latest report actually backed its own studies.

Meanwhile, a public forum was held on Monday night, as The Star went to press.

Speakers included Mike Ellison, a UK-based arborist who developed the method of quantified tree risk assessment used by Newcastle Council to assess the figs, and The University of Newcastle's Professor Mark Stewart.

Forum spokesperson Bryan Havenhand said it would show how almost every expert working independently of Newcastle City Council had disputed the trees' proposed risk.

This has turned into a public tradgety,

Cheers

Tony

Eric Frei · 18th January 2012, 09:18 AM

On Monday night (16 January 2012) there was another "forum" in Newcastle for the Mob to spread their version of events (known as lies to others).

Out of that NCC has responded and come forth with some solid reasoning and facts.

A while back if you recall they were getting a hot shot engineer in about risk assessment remember, I think Hartley was behind that move. Anyway NCC has shot that to pieces, even professors getting roped in by this Mob, how sad.

17 January 2012 council produces this on their website.

Quote:

Fig forum light on facts

Last night’s fig fact forum included a number of statements that were false. These are addressed below.

Council as a public body is proud of its openness and transparency in this matter. All relevant information (except where privileged) has been put before Council and the community. Council has conducted workshops, open forums, public voices, open Council meetings and provided information to interested parties through correspondence and Government Information (Public Access) Act requests. The vast majority of the information available is on our website.
Council did not withhold the RADAR report from Caity Raschke nor doctor it as Dr Raschke claimed in her opening statements. Council processes all requests for information in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act. All requests in relation to the RADAR report were processed in accordance with these obligations and the RADAR reports provided. It is offensive to accuse council of doctoring a report.
Council has already obtained four independent assessments by expert arborists on the Laman Street figs and they all support the findings that the risk to public safety and property is foreseeable and not insignificant.
Due to the huge body of evidence supporting the safety risk, Council’s insurer Statewide Mutual will not cover the figs beyond 31 January 2012. Council’s broker has canvassed the global insurance market and no other insurer worldwide is prepared to indemnify Council for loss caused by the figs.
Council is bound to provide an accurate assessment of risk to the insurer and we believe we have done so. Statewide made its offer to fund dynamic testing before it reviewed any existing information relating to the trees and revoked its offer after receiving Council’s reports. Council has provided our Insurers with both Council reports and those provided by Save Our Figs (SOF) to the Laman Street Working Party.
Statements that claim the trees are safe as evidenced by "looking out the window" are extremely irresponsible. A statement made that the level of risk of a tree failure is the same as falling out of bed is also irresponsible. Further comments made about public utilities and public liability and professional indemnity insurance indicate a limited knowledge or understanding of tree management in the urban context. Over the past ten years, 35 Hills figs out of 135 in the inner city have failed or been removed as a foreseeable risk. That’s just over one in four.
Council's comment on the risk assessment by Mr Mike Ellison was released last night prior to the Fig Forum. However there seems to be discrepancies between the risk assessment in the report and comments attributed to the author in the media. The difference is an order of magnitude which is of concern.
Any suggestion that the Anzac Centenary submission to the National Commission (made in September 2010) is behind the removal of the figs is a conspiracy theory. The Anzac Centenary submission was an ideas submission only and NOT an application for funding. This is clearly stated on the Anzac Centenary website. It is illogical for this idea to be the reason for removing the trees when no plans have been exhibited, approved nor funding received. Secondly, the submission was made at a time when there was a resolution to remove and replace the trees. The submission clearly states the figs trees are being replaced, not removed to make way for a “plaza”. The submission also says Laman Street could become a cultural gathering place beyond its present function as a roadway. It never suggests that this would be at the exclusion of new fig trees. Thirdly, every single piece of concept artwork in the submission includes fig trees planted in Laman Street.
None of the inspections, investigations, analysis, consultations, forums, working parties and reporting by Council on the Laman Street fig trees has anything to do with any proposal to construct an Anzac Memorial or underground carpark.
Work done in providing a restraint system for the Lone Pine within the Memorial Grove is an example of proactive tree management in light of the exposure this tree will receive when the Laman Street fig trees are removed. Propagation of seeds from the Lone Pine are underway.
A statement made at the forum that this is the first time the Roads Act has been used this way to remove trees is utterly false. Councils all over the State use the Roads Act on a regular basis to remove hazardous trees. Council’s decision to remove the trees under the Roads Act was upheld by the Land and Environment Court last year.
Council's actions in Laman Street do not herald the wholesale removal of street trees across the City. Council undertakes a very detailed and rigorous assessment of its public trees and risk is assessed on a site specific case by case basis. In fact a number of trees that were a significant risk have been removed over the last ten years.
Concerns expressed at the forum regarding the necessity for Council to have police protection while undertaking reasonable, lawful removal of the trees was the result of the behaviour of members of Save Our Figs and their supporters and not Council staff. In this matter Council staff have behaved in a professional manner despite, at times, extreme provocation.
A detailed response to the presentation by Professor Mark Stewart has been provided on Council's website.
Although Save Our Figs has often referred to a number of other arborist reports that contradict Council advice, none of the authors of these opinions or reports have entered into a contractual agreement that would make them legally accountable for their opinions. Council's internal reports and externally sourced reports base their opinions on detailed knowledge of the site, evidence based investigations and readily available relevant literature.
There is no ulterior motive to remove the trees and suggestions to the contrary are completely unfounded. Council will replant figs in Laman Street and already has replacement trees ready to go. These trees are now nearly four metres high and will be planted in specially constructed vaults to avoid the root problems that have plagued the existing figs.
Council acknowledges that this issue has become highly contentious for some members of the community. However, it is our responsibility to act in the best interest of the whole community – not just some of its members.
It is wasteful to spend any more ratepayers’ money and resources on pursuing this issue and The City of Newcastle is extremely keen to return its full attention to its core duties as soon as possible.

The PDF response to engineers has been uploaded to this site.

Now amid all this I didn't know that there were branch failures in June 2011, so i have uploaded that too. Funny, in the middle of this fiasco the trees had branch failures and the head in the sand mob make like all is OK and continue with their rhetoric.

I wonder if that was one of the branches blind Freddy said was sound!

I have also uploaded NCC risk identification/management memo.

Link to post about Caloundra branch failure and Enspec notes.

Eric Frei · 18th January 2012, 08:35 PM

Hot in, nearby fig cracked at included bifurcation near base.

Cooks Hill fig tree suffers 'significant failure': council - Local News - News - General - Newcastle Herald

Quote:

Cooks Hill fig tree suffers 'significant failure': council
BEN SMEE
18 Jan, 2012 01:19 PM
A FIG tree in Cooks Hill has cracked, suffering what Newcastle City Council describes as a ‘‘significant failure’’.

Damage to the Swan Street tree was discovered early this morning.

It is the same species as the Laman Street figs.

CRACKED: The fig tree in Swan Street, Cooks Hill. - Picture by Simone de Peak

The council says the tree is the 36th Hills fig, out of 135 planted in the inner-city, to fail or be removed due to a ‘‘forseeable risk’’.

The tree was inspected in late November and was not cracked at the time, council said.

It has been cordoned off and is expected to be removed within days.

It appears to me to be a crack brought about predominantly by the two stems pushing each other apart. I cannot see or make out the canopy but I can see contorted secondary branching and poor structure that would be hard to abate but not impossible.

Again the debate would focus on mitigation cost vs replacement, it seems to have similar root plate issues to the Laman street figs anyway.

I wonder if blind Freddy would consider that sort of structure a defect for inexperienced arborists and acceptable to the more experienced?

Eric Frei · 18th January 2012, 10:57 PM

Seems like utter desperation to bring in Poms by the boat load as no respectable Australian arborist is likely to go near the damned Laman street figs fiasco.

Atleast this one had the audacity to state:-

"he also stated that he does not consider himself qualified to provide any specific advice on the Laman Street matter".

Thank goodness too because the others have not done, as Poms say, a stirling job ole chap.

The forum spokeperson only has ears for his own biases too it appears. Imagine that, saying almost every expert thinks different to NCC's findings, not at all, you just do not hear those who agree with NCC nor publish their comments on that crap SOF site. I think different and I think I'm a better expert than most involved so far.

Final hours in the Laman Street fig saga - Local News - News - General - Newcastle Star

Quote:

Final hours in the Laman Street fig saga
18 Jan, 2012 01:00 AM
THE Laman Street fig debate could soon come to a close.

Newcastle City Council has vowed to "remove and replace" the controversial trees "as soon as possible," a spokeswoman said.

But, with more mass protesting expected, a removal date has not yet been set.

"Police support is needed during the operation to ensure the worksite remains safe - we are currently working with police to determine when the required level of support will be available," the spokeswoman said.

However, Save Our Figs refuse to give up.

The group last week presented the findings of arborist Dr David Lonsdale, who wrote a report upon Save Our Figs' request.

Dr Lonsdale raised concerns about the probability of the trees' failure, although he also stated that he does not consider himself qualified to provide any specific advice on the Laman Street matter.

"My general opinion is that a remarkable amount of painstaking work has been devoted to the assessment and evaluation of the trees concerned," he wrote.

But the council said in a statement that the latest report actually backed its own studies.

Meanwhile, a public forum was held on Monday night, as The Star went to press.

Speakers included Mike Ellison, a UK-based arborist who developed the method of quantified tree risk assessment used by Newcastle Council to assess the figs, and The University of Newcastle's Professor Mark Stewart.

Forum spokesperson Bryan Havenhand said it would show how almost every expert working independently of Newcastle City Council had disputed the trees' proposed risk.

Eric Frei · 19th January 2012, 08:09 AM

Some more about that cracked Cooks Hill fig

Cooks Hill fig tree in danger of falling apart - ABC Newcastle NSW - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Quote:

Cooks Hill fig tree in danger of falling apart

Updated January 19, 2012 07:59:34

Newcastle Council says it has no choice but to remove a fig tree in Cooks Hill because its trunk has severe cracking.

Council says the the cracking was not visible during an inspection in November, but another inspection this month discovered the problem.

Another fig was removed from the street in 2009 after it split apart, narrowly missing a local resident who was taking photos of the tree.

It comes at a time when debate is still raging over the imminent removal of the Laman Street figs, with experts divided over how much of a risk they pose.

City arborist Lindsay Field says the Hill's fig in Swan Street could spilt like an onion if it is not removed.

"You can't patch it up," he said.

"I mean if it was in a park somewhere that wasn't used you could fence it off and isolate it but you can't do that in a street.

"A good portion of this tree over hangs one of the properties as well you can't sort of isolate that area off."

Mr Field says it is possible the Swan Street fig will split like another tree did at the western end of the street in 2009.

"A tree there with about three trunks literally fell apart like an onion.

"A lady come out of the house to take photos of one branch and nearly got struck by another.

"You've got a structure in a tree that is a known weakness, you know they don't all fail.

"They can stand there for many years, but once they do part like that the weakness is exacerbated and there's a real concern that we could have a failure."

Eric Frei · 21st January 2012, 10:27 AM

Attached you will find Mike Ellison's report, of course it's predominantly QTRA based using numbers to decide risk, but it offers a BIG FAT NOTHING other than a risk number for care if the figs are retained.

This is why many arborists simply do not support QTRA. For each tree in the report you will see "Assess for signs of damage following extreme wind events" in the management options. Wow, as if that is management.

It confirms asymmetric crowns but basically says that trees are self optimising with adaptive growth to compensate for stresses and that over time they will look after themselves. The longer the tree has to adapt the lower the probability of failure. With regard to the branch failures in June 2011 and this do nothing approach it is written:-

Quote:

6.2.3 It is reported18 that trees A, D and E on the tree survey drawing were removed in 2007.
These removals have created large gaps in the tree canopy and exposed adjacent trees to
modified wind loading. It is reported by the Council19 that during the night of 16 June or
morning of 17 June 2011, two branches of 120mm and 100mm diameter fell from tree 12017
and one branch of 80mm diameter fell from tree 12022 and no damage or injury resulted
from the failures. The failures occurred during a period of high wind when it is reported
that a maximum wind gust of 70 kph was recorded at Nobby’s weather station some 1 – 1.5
kilometres to the east. The failure points in the branches are reported to have shown no
evidence of defect or weakness.
6.2.4 The reported failures are not unexpected given the modified wind exposure of previously
sheltered branches. However, it is my opinion that given the good physiological health of
the trees, on-going adaptive growth20 will regularise the increased mechanical stresses and
the risk of branch failure will continue to reduce. I have taken account of the modified
exposure of branches in my risk assessment.
6.2.5 Trees 12013 and 12025 have recently been heavily lopped during an attempt to fell the trees.
The lopping has exposed the trees to modified wind loading and my comments at 6.2.4
apply in this situation. However, the exposure being of recent origin means that adaptive
growth will be less advanced than in the trees affected in 2007. Accordingly, I have applied a
substantially elevated probability of secondary branch failure to trees 12013 and 12025. It is
my opinion that adaptive growth will result in increasing branch stability over the coming 3
to 10 years.

Now it is interesting that he discusses this again, and although he admits there is "modified wind loading" he also says there's no high risks resulting. I take that as there being increased probability of failure but it doesn't take the QTRA risk factor to worse than 1/10,000.

Quote:

6.4.1 The Council states21 that “All of the tree crowns are asymmetric. This is a natural consequence of
the short planting distance between trees. Competition for light has lead [sic] to the development of
branches where the greatest extension is towards the available light. Crown asymmetry in conjunction
with root plate confinement and asymmetry is contributing to tree instability”. As has already been
identified by Marsden22 the asymmetry in the tree crowns is a natural consequence of closely
spaced trees. My assessment has revealed no concerns in this regard, and even with the
removal of trees A, D and E, there are no high risks resulting from crown asymmetry.

You can also read the NCC's response to his report.

So there has been many failures, we have seen blow overs, we have seen branch failures, we have a recent Cooks Hill fig tree cracking. These trees have had years and years for this wonderful adaptive growth to solve all their ills but it hasn't been a very effective process and we get a management option of:-

Quote:

MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
∙ Assess for signs of damage following extreme wind events (priority 2)

And this is after a more rigorous approach by the author:-

Quote:

2.3.2 The circumstances surrounding the proposal to remove the fig trees based on a reported high
risk necessitates my special consideration of detail with regard to the trees and their
environment. Therefore, my investigations, assessment and report extend far beyond that
which I would ordinarily consider reasonable for the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment of a
situation such as that presented in Laman Street.

I also believe that the Art Gallery will be demolished and a new one built, so what happens to new wind loading to trees then? Not mentioned.

What happens to roadway, pipes and other infrastructure repair and protection? Not mentioned.

Seems this video is still valid.

QTRA Laman Street Figs Fiasco - YouTube

Eric Frei · 27th January 2012, 10:37 AM

As the day for the removal of the fig trees draw near I encourage all people to support the council's open, honest and democratic decision to remove the trees.

In particular I have put together a relevant email list you can cut/paste to send emails to the right people who know of or have been in some way involved with this tree fiasco. These people need to hear some positive support and respect for the voted decision to remove the trees:-

Tim.Owen@parliament.nsw.gov.au, office@premier.nsw.gov.au, Office@page.minister.nsw.gov.au, Don.Page@parliament.nsw.gov.au, office@parker.minister.nsw.gov.au, office@gallacher.minister.nsw.gov.au, Scott.Weber@pansw.org.au, mail@ncc.nsw.gov.au, kmcpherson@ncc.nsw.gov.au, aaronbuman@smartchat.net.au, brad.luke@pacific.net.au, scott.sharpe@pacific.net.au, graham.boyd@pacific.net.au, mike.king@pacific.net.au, bobcook@pacific.net.au, shayne.connell@pacific.net.au, ncc-mosborne@hunterlink.net.au, mike.jackson@pacific.net.au, tim.crakanthorp@pacific.net.au, sharon.claydon@pacific.net.au

If you are interested here is what I wrote in my email, you can copy/paste that to if you like, or write your own.

Quote:

Hi,

I am writing to you to let you know that I respect and support the Newcastle City Council's democratic decision (as voted by elected Councillors) to remove the Laman Street Fig trees.

I know that their has been tremendous debate about the trees however I respect NCC's right to decide their fate, knowing that the decision was not easy and vigorously investigated at considerable cost.

No doubt as the time nears for the tree's felling there may be more demonstrations and coercions to avert what has been decided. I hope this email also encourages all participants to do the right thing and quell any upheaval, cementing the trust we have placed into our incumbent representatives to deliver the decision to remove the trees.

Regards
Eric Frei
An observing consulting and practising arborist

Apocalypsse · 27th January 2012, 12:18 PM

I hope they don't release the date the works are going to start. Only having a small number of protesters there when the tree crew is rocking up would be so much less stressful then full on protester army.

Is there a link to the proposed new works after the trees are removed?

MrDiesel · 31st January 2012, 01:49 PM

I just got a message from NSW Incident Alert (A facebook link) that things are going off in Lamen street at the moment, It sounds like an protest gone ugly

pukunui · 31st January 2012, 02:57 PM

Yep all over ABC radio today.
The crews went in at 4am and started work at around 6 i think.
Got the jump on the MOB but they got pissed off and pushed over a fence.
More cops came in and work went on.

Typical bloody media though had swallowed the mobs crap and were talking about the independent assessment that the council refused. No mention of the multiple other independent reports written. I was going to ring in to the radio station to get the truth out there but arrived at the next job and forgot all about it.

Apocalypsse · 31st January 2012, 03:43 PM

This whole situation is a joke. Hit up Youtube and theres a video there showing the protesters ripping down a fence, but also shows a rather poor example of the climber setting up the rigging for the crane and cutting the branch off. Can't always have it perfect, but when you got a crowd like this with 50 million cameras and video popping up everywhere, its gotta be perfect. Its really annoying having multiple reports there but people refuse to even acknowledge their existence as independent showing these trees have got issues.

Fig trees - YouTube

Eric Frei · 31st January 2012, 06:07 PM

LOL, have a look at that MOB, peaceful protest my ass.

Lock them up.

Yes, the world is watching what IDIOT protesters do.

Good on you NCC, about time ya got it done.

There's a good lesson learned, dont' argue with idiots ... it only brings you down to their level.

MrDiesel · 31st January 2012, 06:30 PM

I saw a bit more on the ABC news. Some of the rigging needs some work. Branches ripping out before they hit the ground etc

8th December 2011, 05:49 PM	#245
pukunui Sappling Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 33	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan I'll believe it when i see a big pile of chip and the stump grinders are firing up.

11th December 2011, 03:41 PM	#247
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan Clearly Hutt River Sir is wrong because there is also this site supporting NCC. Who gives a fig - Cut down the figs - Wall \| Facebook __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

31st December 2011, 07:53 AM	#252
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan Yawn ..... just another POM on tour payed for by desperate Aussies. Any sensible person would have cleared with council for him to inspect the trees before getting him out, otherwise just a waste of time. But not so, it was not a waste of time because the SOF mob got him out regardless so they could get attention via the press, which they did, and Tate could have a cry and make everything look so boohoo bad. All staged bullshit frankly and it shows a strategic move to not only make our arborists look bad but to get international attention for these DRAMA QUEENS. Over in Sweden I think recently the reknown TV-Tree was felled, boy there was a lot of arborists have a big cry over that one too. It was already a cabled monstrosity that had a 3m increase in grade around the tree. They built a rock wall just out from the trunk and filled away, and in a video I saw a guy was tapping on the trunk and you could hear it was hollow, who knows about the buttress roots etc. Anyway as the tree sat in a traffic island with cars/buses etc passing all around and the area around the tree was a pedestrian refuge the road authority felled it. There's videos etc but again same sort of DRAMA MAMA. This is all an act, a stage show with little regard for the big picture. Pulling in people from overseas means to me a desperate state of affairs, and again no matter how good that bloke is they bring in his perspective, knowledge and local experience is tainted. Anyone see the Arboriculture Australia (Crude Aussie version of ISA) travel expenses bill? Well here you go, better start asking questions about all those expenses. Hartley is one of the Directors, I believe there is 14 of them, more than BHP has. I read somewhere else another org signing up MU's with arb orgs, building bridges they called it, could also be building boundaries and fences. Honestly, as you read this stop and think, would your career as an arborist be worse off if you were to go against the org and argue with the seniors about their decisions/methods etc? I bet most would feel worse off so you belong and shut up, perhaps even be pleasant and agree with the tossers just so you are not adversely impacted upon. Now the Mafia runs the same, you pay them protection money so your business is not destroyed, but who will protect it? The very people you pay the money to, who will destroy it, the people you stop paying money to. Listen to this. The solution is ATA. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist Last edited by Eric Frei; 31st December 2011 at 08:26 AM. Reason: opinion added in italic text

1st January 2012, 06:54 PM	#253
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan I just received a call from Mark Hartley, he says, " Your an absolutely dumb prick as I am not even a Director anymore, your just a dumb bastard" that's all I heard as I hung up on him. He rang again, private number (same as first call) but I didn't answer. Sort of cements what I have been saying. And now the barrage of calls continues, seems the usual New Years thing eh. Just now another private call, just like last time. Now their website is so new and up to date that they do not list their directors and ASIC does have some changes noted 15 November 2011. And I have more messages. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

18th January 2012, 12:20 AM	#257
Apocalypsse Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Victoria, Australia Posts: 1,152	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan Thats soo bad, theres other videos of the protesters doing their thing too. I'm surprised there no more recordings of the actual work being done, I wanted to see what they were going to do with that crane.

27th January 2012, 12:18 PM	#265
Apocalypsse Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Victoria, Australia Posts: 1,152	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan I hope they don't release the date the works are going to start. Only having a small number of protesters there when the tree crew is rocking up would be so much less stressful then full on protester army. Is there a link to the proposed new works after the trees are removed?

31st January 2012, 01:49 PM	#266
MrDiesel Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: here Posts: 192	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan I just got a message from NSW Incident Alert (A facebook link) that things are going off in Lamen street at the moment, It sounds like an protest gone ugly

31st January 2012, 02:57 PM	#267
pukunui Sappling Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Posts: 33	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan Yep all over ABC radio today. The crews went in at 4am and started work at around 6 i think. Got the jump on the MOB but they got pissed off and pushed over a fence. More cops came in and work went on. Typical bloody media though had swallowed the mobs crap and were talking about the independent assessment that the council refused. No mention of the multiple other independent reports written. I was going to ring in to the radio station to get the truth out there but arrived at the next job and forgot all about it.

31st January 2012, 06:07 PM	#269
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan LOL, have a look at that MOB, peaceful protest my ass. Lock them up. Yes, the world is watching what IDIOT protesters do. Good on you NCC, about time ya got it done. There's a good lesson learned, dont' argue with idiots ... it only brings you down to their level. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

31st January 2012, 06:30 PM	#270
MrDiesel Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: here Posts: 192	Re: Newcastle Avenue Fig Trees Dispute $70K plan I saw a bit more on the ABC news. Some of the rigging needs some work. Branches ripping out before they hit the ground etc

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