Community
15 May, 2024
Concerns raised over Port Campbell pines
CONCERNS have been raised over the impact of the Port Campbell town streetscape works on the Norfolk Island Pines in Lord Street.
Port Campbell Community Group secretary Marion Manifold said the pines were planted in 1911 by Harriet Lord in Murray Reserve which was named after the then Premier of Victoria John Murray.
She said the Corangamite Shire Council did not seem to realise the pines were heritage listed.
“However, the pines have various heritage listings which means they are heritage protected,” Dr Manifold said.
“They hare part of a National Trust listing due to their strong social and cultural links to the early settlers of Port Campbell, and because they help demonstrate a small coastal village’s social and cultural development.
“The Trust listing also notes ‘Port Campbell is highly significant as a place associated with early and current coastal tourism in Victoria and the nominated area has many features linked to this, such as the Great Ocean Road and Norfolk Island Pines’.
While the National Trust listing is non-binding to the shire, it is accepted by Heritage Victoria and it is on the heritage council website.
According to Dr Manifold, the pines are also covered by a Heritage Victoria foreshore heritage overlay, and they are part of a Land Conservation Council listing.
“It is concerning that council is not cognisant and does not seem to have adhered to the process for this heritage,” she said.
“Members of the Town Plan Community Reference Group made several appeals to council to not remove on of the pines, and also raised concerns and requested council not lop limbs off the pines.
“However, one pine was felled, lower limbs lopped, and now extensive roots have been cut.”
Dr Manifold said the soil surrounding the pines was now being compacted by heavy machinery and walls and wall footings are being built into and over the pine’s root systems.
“Any arborist should know that this damage may have ongoing effects on the health and longevity of the Norfolk Island Pines,” she said.
“At one stage the soil was completely excavated on the northern most pine showing a web of roots in mid-air.”
However, Corangamite Shire Council strategic planning support consultant Aaron Huttig disputed Dr Manifold’s claims.
He said the Port Campbell Community and Business Reference Group raised some issues last week and was “satisfied council was on the right track”.
“We sought professional industry advice through an independent arborist,” he said.
“All works comply with the Australian Standards, which allow for some disturbance of root systems.
“We have redesigned shorter retaining walls in some areas so the root system won’t be disturbed."
Mr Huttig said the walls have a shallow footprint and spread the weight over a larger surface area.
“Footings for the deck have been designed with foundations that don’t require piles to be dug in,” he said.
“Lord Street has been raised to ensure less interference with the roots.
“That will minimise any possibility of damage.”
Mr Huttig said one “unhealthy” Norfolk Island pine was removed last year and the timber was offered for community use via an expression of interest process.
He said the trees were not protected under the Victorian Heritage Register or the planning scheme.
“While they are recognised by various non-government organisation such as the National Trust, these groups have advisory and educational roles, but are not statutory bodies,” Mr Huttig said.