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Canberra Today 23°/25° | Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Much-loved Manuka tree stays

Franklin Street, Manuka… Significant tree in between buildings. Photo: Paul Costigan

THE proposal to remove a mature London Plane tree located at 15 Franklin Street, Griffith, has been rejected.

The ACT conservator for flora and fauna, Ian Walker, has rejected the proposal after a development application for the redevelopment of Blocks 3 and 4 Section 96 in Griffith sought to remove the tree from the ACT Tree Register.

“Trees play such an important role in our city and provide many benefits including providing shade and reducing air pollution and energy costs,” Mr Walker says.

“They also add significantly to the character of our bush capital.

“This particular tree was put on the ACT Tree Register in May 2012 in recognition of its contribution to the landscape and aesthetic value, which remain today.

“I considered a range of factors in making my decision. This included public submissions, information from the proponent, advice from the independent tree advisory panel, advice from the ACT’s chief planner and advice from the interim National Capital design review panel.

“It is important that developments are innovative in how they incorporate – and benefit from – existing trees.

“The decision does not preclude future development from taking place, it seeks to consider how trees are incorporated into developments bringing living infrastructure into designs to cool the city, provide habitat for wildlife, maintain air quality and create a sense of place for future generations.

“I hope that by maintaining the tree’s protective status, it will continue its long life and people will further appreciate it as a natural focal point of the Manuka landscape.”

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Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

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