Veteran Tree Threatened

Sean Freeman · 24th December 2009, 07:15 AM

Please read the SMH story, google around it and if you feel the same frustration as me towards the lack of due process email Peter Garrett.

Protesters' bid to stop axing of sacred tree

To contact Federal Ministers you have to use the following form:

Parliament of Australia: House of Representatives

Below if the text of an email I sent, if you feel strongly enough feel free to copy parts of my text or write your own.

(My email was addressed to a number of NSW ministers and Premier, I have also sent a slightly altered version to Mr Garrett)

Quote:

.....I am writing in support of the application under Sections 9, 10 and 12 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Heritage Protection Act 1984 for an Emergency Declaration for the protection of the “Guardian-Healing Tree” and the Alum Sacred Mountain.

I have been directly involved in providing expert advice to a great many of the Local Government Authorities in Queensland with respect to incorporating the constraints imposed by significant vegetation on large scale infrastructure projects.

I am well aware of the advanced stage of the road improvement project around Bulahdelah, however I would remind all those concerned of this relevant clause within the approval decision for this section of the Pacific Highway project.

Annexure to the Approval Decision Sept 10th 2007:

Clause 4. If the Minister believes that it is necessary or desirable for the better protection of the environment to do so, the Minister may request that the person taking the action to make specific revisions to the plans approved, and to submit the revised plans for the Minister’s approval. The person taking the action must comply with any such request…..

I am one of an increasing group of Australians from all walks of life that believe the values of Veteran Trees such as the “Guardian-Healing Tree” are tangible, and quantifiable -
Veteran Trees are the lynch pins to habitat, stability, resilience and longevity;
They are major contributors to environmental carbon sequestration both directly (within their woody tissues) and indirectly (through the maintenance of highly functional soil microbiology that lives in symbiosis with the tree roots);
They come to hold a place of reverence in the minds of those people whose lives interact (even briefly) with them

New South Wales is rightfully proud of its general commitment to environmental protection, which continues to provide benchmarks for other states and territories in the management of threatened environments.

Ensuring that due process is followed in the case of the “Guardian-Healing Tree” and the Alum Sacred Mountain is part of the core responsibilities of those that hold public office and the members of the public service that assist them.

I urge you halt any irrevocable actions planned by the Road Traffic Authority in relation to the “Guardian-Healing Tree” and the Alum Sacred Mountain.

Eric Frei · 24th December 2009, 07:51 AM

It says:-

Quote:

Federal Environment and Heritage Minister Peter Garrett would be deciding on Monday whether to place an Emergency Protection Order on the Guardian Tree under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Heritage Protection Act, Mr Oshlack said.

So what's he doing?

Perhaps moving it is an option.

Sean Freeman · 24th December 2009, 08:03 AM

If he were to place an emergency protection order on the tree and Alum mountain then at least there would be a halt to the clearing temporarily.

There are always alternatives many of them should have imo, been considered more carefully well before this point....but then I will always expect government to follow the same rules that they impose (correctly imo) on everyone else.

Eric Frei · 24th December 2009, 08:51 AM

Part 3A was inserted into the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 NSW (EP&A Act) on 1 August 2005

Part 3A of the act and how it works is found here.

This seems like it has been a political football for a long time. Only direct intervention by Peter Garrett can make a difference now, but we know whose beds he's been burning eh.

Sean Freeman · 24th December 2009, 09:09 AM

Yes agreed, this particular issue has been frankly poorly managed.

I have few illusions about what might be achieved at this late hour but I am not prepared to do nothing at all, as you know these older trees are a big deal to many people not just Arborists, and they have to be properly considered right from the beginning.

Eric Frei · 24th December 2009, 09:20 AM

I just spent ages reading about the area, the "mountain" and alternative routes.

Why would they take the higher impact and more costly route?

Something doesn't make sense here, and it's more than this site/tree etc. Apparently the alternative route was around half price.

Aboriginal heritage is significant, even if the tree is dead. They apparently moved another tree (maybe the scar tree) and that hasn't gone down well either, the site is sacred not just the tree.

Knowing that you'd think you'd take the big detour.

Sean Freeman · 24th December 2009, 11:30 AM

There was someone who began proceedings against the RTA and NSW Govt re corruption issues connected with the so called bypass.

Last ditch attempt to move Bulahdelah bypass route - Local News - News - General - Manning River Times

Sean Freeman · 24th December 2009, 11:33 AM

Read through the comments here to get a feel for what has been going on

TRADITIONAL OWNERS EVICTED AHEAD OF BULAHDELAH BYPASS PROJECT : NBN

I agree the choice of the route through the mountain seems very odd on first assessment. There also seem to have been some problems with the public consultation process!

Sean Freeman · 27th December 2009, 12:04 AM

Workers axe sacred tree for NSW bypass

Eric Frei · 27th December 2009, 07:36 AM

Quote:

An experienced climber who made his way high up into the tree two days ago was removed with the use of a cherry-picker before being arrested about midday (AEDT), the Indigenous Justice Advocacy Network says.

I wonder if we know him?

Quote:

"The whole thing is just gross racism as far as we can see," Mr Oshlack said.

And of course this flag had to fly!

Sean Freeman · 27th December 2009, 08:30 AM

I imagine whether it is a fair description to define these destructive actions as racist really depends on the personal experience of the person(s) making those comments.

It is without doubt (imo) yet another inglorious moment in the treatment of traditional owners and the lands they have been the custodians of.

I was half surprised that NSW govt did not embark on a similar ridiculous circus to the relocation of the Boab tree from the Kimberly region in WA.

Despite the fact that I did think the works would go ahead, I am still saddened by these events.

CaityR · 3rd January 2010, 01:37 PM

I agree this is a very sad story.This seemed to hit the media about a week before the tree was felled. It must break the hearts of the local people.

kieren · 26th January 2010, 06:08 PM

This country needs to learn it cant take peoples land and get away with it! today is the anniversary of such an event this is a sham the nsw government is so corrupt i dont know why i am even surprised

24th December 2009, 08:03 AM	#3
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Veteran Tree Threatened If he were to place an emergency protection order on the tree and Alum mountain then at least there would be a halt to the clearing temporarily. There are always alternatives many of them should have imo, been considered more carefully well before this point....but then I will always expect government to follow the same rules that they impose (correctly imo) on everyone else.

24th December 2009, 09:09 AM	#5
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Veteran Tree Threatened Yes agreed, this particular issue has been frankly poorly managed. I have few illusions about what might be achieved at this late hour but I am not prepared to do nothing at all, as you know these older trees are a big deal to many people not just Arborists, and they have to be properly considered right from the beginning.

24th December 2009, 09:20 AM	#6
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Veteran Tree Threatened I just spent ages reading about the area, the "mountain" and alternative routes. Why would they take the higher impact and more costly route? Something doesn't make sense here, and it's more than this site/tree etc. Apparently the alternative route was around half price. Aboriginal heritage is significant, even if the tree is dead. They apparently moved another tree (maybe the scar tree) and that hasn't gone down well either, the site is sacred not just the tree. Knowing that you'd think you'd take the big detour. __________________ 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

24th December 2009, 11:30 AM	#7
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Veteran Tree Threatened There was someone who began proceedings against the RTA and NSW Govt re corruption issues connected with the so called bypass. Last ditch attempt to move Bulahdelah bypass route - Local News - News - General - Manning River Times

24th December 2009, 11:33 AM	#8
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Veteran Tree Threatened Read through the comments here to get a feel for what has been going on TRADITIONAL OWNERS EVICTED AHEAD OF BULAHDELAH BYPASS PROJECT : NBN I agree the choice of the route through the mountain seems very odd on first assessment. There also seem to have been some problems with the public consultation process!

27th December 2009, 12:04 AM	#9
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Veteran Tree Threatened Workers axe sacred tree for NSW bypass

27th December 2009, 08:30 AM	#11
Sean Freeman Veteran Heritage Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,981	Re: Veteran Tree Threatened I imagine whether it is a fair description to define these destructive actions as racist really depends on the personal experience of the person(s) making those comments. It is without doubt (imo) yet another inglorious moment in the treatment of traditional owners and the lands they have been the custodians of. I was half surprised that NSW govt did not embark on a similar ridiculous circus to the relocation of the Boab tree from the Kimberly region in WA. Despite the fact that I did think the works would go ahead, I am still saddened by these events.

3rd January 2010, 01:37 PM	#12
CaityR Former Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Newcastle Posts: 17	Re: Veteran Tree Threatened I agree this is a very sad story.This seemed to hit the media about a week before the tree was felled. It must break the hearts of the local people.

26th January 2010, 06:08 PM	#13
kieren Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Adelaide Posts: 104	Re: Veteran Tree Threatened This country needs to learn it cant take peoples land and get away with it! today is the anniversary of such an event this is a sham the nsw government is so corrupt i dont know why i am even surprised

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