WHAT takes 40 years to grow and just one weekend to cut down? The tree outside the AMP building, it seems.
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Council have removed the large Liquidamber which stood outside the historic Auburn Street building.
Director of Goulburn Mulwaree Council Operations Matt O’Rourke told the Post removal was necessary after the tree suffered root damage during the CBD ‘beautification’ project.
The matter was put before Council at the February 17 meeting and passed without debate.
In the Council report, Mr O’Rourke wrote the damage occurred during the installation of new pavers.
The damage was “likely to reduce the stability and structural integrity of the tree, particularly during high winds”, he wrote.
Speaking with the Post on Monday, Mr O’Rourke confirmed the work had been carried out over the weekend.
“It was thought that the tree could be incorporated into the new paving but when excavation for the paving was done there were some roots that were damaged,” Mr O’Rourke explained.
“The view was taken that in the long term interest of the paving the tree was best to go.”
The Liquidamber in question was the source of debate last year when it caused considerable damage to infrastructure in the AMP building – leading to water damage.
In recommending the tree be cut down, Council noted the loss would be offset with the number of trees planted along Auburn St as part of the overall CBD enhancement program.
The stump of the tree will now be ground down to ground level, with a concrete slab to be placed on top before paving work is completed in line with the existing pattern.