It's a good tree but in the wrong place.
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That's how Lighthouse Beach resident Ray Acheson describes the lemon scented gum out of the front of his home on Matthew Flinders Drive.
Unfortunately the species is prone to 'sudden limb drop' - it's also known as a widow maker - and that's where Mr Acheson is having a falling out with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
He says the tree regularly drops large limbs with the two latest instances falling near his car while the second narrowly missed his house.
Mr Acheson says council needs to be more responsive in regards to tree maintenance, particularly where limbs are regularly falling.
"I want to see a better response from council. They should be more proactive in looking at trees and they should remove dangerous and hazardous trees," Mr Acheson said.
"This should be a cost benefit issue and not a financial issue; they should not be constrained by budgets.
"Council told me that they could not remove the tree because it was a cost issue.
"Where is council’s legal obligations for public safety?
"I am not prepared to wait and wonder if I am going to have a limb fall on me."
Mr Acheson says council has placed the dangerous tree on its priority 3 list.
"However, I am concerned about how many trees are current on this priority list, and how many trees - overall - are listed on council's priority listings," he added.
I am concerned about how many trees are current on this priority list, and how many trees - overall - are listed on council's priority listings.
- Ray Acheson
Council director Melissa Watkins says trees on council-managed land are assessed and prioritised for removal or pruning using a combination of risk and hazard evaluation matrix’s.
“These matrix ensure tree maintenance works are prioritised based on the level of risk and hazard posed to the community or assets,” Ms Watkins said.
“Once a tree has been assessed by council staff, it is recorded within council’s tree management system which includes reinspection at 12 months if identified works are not completed within that period.”
In consultation with council, Mr Acheson says he has paid for an arborist to trim some limbs.
"Council later suggested they would approve the removal of the tree, if I paid for it," he said.
"That would suggest that council prioritises its tree work on budget and not on public health and public interest."
The Residents Action Network has weighed into the matter and is calling on feedback from community members about their experiences with council in relation to dangerous trees.
RAN secretary Greg Franks says there is a genuine concern about risk of personal injury or damage to property.
"We are inviting residents to contact us with problems in getting council to lop or remove dangerous trees," Mr Franks said.
"Council is failing to remove overhanging limbs or trees they control which are damaging private homes and posing a safety risk to the public using its roads and footpaths.
"Residents may not be aware that the law requires council to lop or remove dangerous trees once they are brought to their attention.
"Council is liable for any damage done to private property and the risk of injury or death such trees pose to the public due to its negligence."
Mr Franks said RAN will ask council to prioritise the lopping or removal of these dangerous trees to stop ongoing damage to private property and before any injury or death occurs.
The secretary says council has stated that it has over 800 trees awaiting their attention - not all of them dangerous.
"Council recently advised RAN that some residents may be waiting five years to have trees on the priority 3 list addressed," he added.
Residents who are concerned about trees posing a hazard located on council-managed land should contact council’s customer service on 6581 8111.
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