Campbelltown Mayor Paul Hawker has said sorry over the removal of trees in Queen Street.
Just hours after a protest march by locals angry about the overnight removal of trees from Queen Street, Mayor Paul Hawker this afternoon issued a statement apologising over the affair.
“As Mayor of this city, I have let you down, and I apologise. I failed to comprehensively communicate with you about council’s plans for Queen Street, including the recent removal of 16 trees.
“Although the work has been done, I owe you an explanation as to our actions,” the mayor said in the statement.
“One of the main priorities of my council is, and will continue to be, public safety.
“The trees in Queen Street were impacting the safety of pedestrians by their root systems lifting pavers and creating uneven surfaces, causing a number of dangerous trip hazards. There was also damage below the surface causing significant issues to underground utility services, kerb and gutter infrastructure and drainage systems.
“The trees were removed at night to ensure the safety of the community and those carrying out the works. Yes, it was intended that the work be done after business hours, but I should have made sure that message was communicated to the wider community in advance.
“First and foremost, council needed to ensure public safety and fix the infrastructure to ensure the proper and ongoing operation of underground services for the CBD,” Cr Hawker said.
“Following the tree removal, the short-term beautification plan for Queen Street involves the installation of attractive planter boxes filled with colourful and water-wise plants. In addition, bollard renewal and the installation and realignment of existing street furniture will take place.
“Council is about to engage a specialist landscape/urban designer to prepare a comprehensive Public Domain Master Plan for the Queen Street CBD. This activation, re-establishing the Queen Street precinct as the vibrant, visually appealing, safe and prosperous city centre that it once was, is a priority for my council – but I need to work with you to make this a reality.
“The development of this master plan will involve extensive consultation with the community and business owners. I want your input into creating the future vision for Campbelltown’s CBD precinct that will reinvigorate Queen Street as a key “people’’ place.
“While all suggestions will be seriously considered, some may not be able to be implemented; however, the feedback you provide will go a long way to ensuring that the planned precinct is a reflection of the true spirit of our Campbelltown community and that it becomes a destination we can all be proud of.
“I understand the concerns of the community about the removal of the trees, and I would like to reassure you my Council is committed to ensuring removal of any trees is offset by extensive planting activity, often of mature trees. So far this year, we have planted an additional 80 mature trees in public spaces and residential areas across the city,” he said.
“Council will continue planting activities as part of our City Entrance Program and General Works Program to ensure that Campbelltown City continues to be a truly green city.
“I look forward to working with you on future plans for our CBD and other major projects, and welcome your feedback to help Council shape the future of Campbelltown City as it grows in stature as the Regional City Centre of Macarthur,’’ Cr Hawker said.
