VOICE of BYRON regular, Patricia Warren, brings us an update about the WWII Memorial pines at Brunswick Heads.
Patricia says, “On 8 November, the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Trust authorised work in the controversial area.
“Truck loads of hardwood mulch were brought in, piled and then spread around the critical root system of the trees, thus modifying drainage and land surface levels.
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“Mulch is not required for these pines.
“Instead, spreading the mulch will heat the critical root system.
“In addition, a post hole digger is been used to drill holes into the critical root system of selected pines to plant shrubs.
“Along the post and rail fence of Brunswick Terrace, dead seedlings planted as compensation for the removal of two Coastal Cypress Pines, have been replaced with plastic guards around them.
“There is no airflow for the seedlings and the guard, more suited to cooler climates will intensify heat on the seedlings guaranteeing their death.
“The seedlings are in need of at least an airflow from the ground upwards. Mesh guards would have provided an airflow.”
Ecologist, Dr Rob Kooyman’s report to Byron Shire Council August 2017 (attached to Item 13.25 on BSC agenda 26.10.17) specifically stated at 3.5.5 for protection and future health of the Coastal Cypress Pines in the Terrace caravan park:
- Do not modify drainage or land surface levels
- Do not modify soil nutrient levels
- Do not disturb the root zone of individual trees (that extends to the full extent of branching as a minimum)
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