Tensions flared when the fate of towering 80-year-old trees in the Mount Burr township was discussed at the January monthly meeting of Wattle Range Council.

Ward councillor Deb Agnew accused some of her fellow elected members of “being mean” when the possibility of a large number of trees being felled was canvassed.

According to Cr Agnew, Mount Burr residents were very concerned at the proposal.

“People will be upset,” Cr Agnew said.

Her investigations found the mature trees were a home for possums, reduced the impact of noise and dust from vehicles and had visual appeal.

A staff report tabled at the meeting outlined three tree removal options for safety reasons and to make way for the further upgrade of service roads which run parallel to the main thoroughfare of Thomas Drive.

Council had carried out a focused consultation with the Mount Burr community last month regarding the removal of the trees along Thomas Drive for the purposes of improving amenity and safety.

The consultation involved letters being sent to the 164 households at Mount Burr as well as drop-in sessions at the town’s football clubrooms.

Council did not publicise the consultation either via its own social media channels or the mainstream news media.

Having considered the response from community consultation and the staff report, council moved at the January meeting to only remove the trees essential to the road upgrades as part of the project.

A further motion was defeated to identify the doomed trees with spray-painted markings.

Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll said the council has heard the views of the community.

“After much debate, it has decided to only take out the trees that need to be removed for the road upgrades,” Mayor Noll said.

“Council will continue to assess the safety concerns associated with ageing or damaged trees along the service roads in Mount Burr and address these as they arise.”

Stage one of the Mount Burr service roads upgrade was completed in May with the sealing of Service Roads 1 (closest to Millicent) and 3 (across from the shop) and the installation of some kerbing, drainage and footpath.

Council has funded the next stage of works, which involves the sealing of Service Road 2 (across from the old mill) and Service Road 4 (accessed off Gray Terrace on the eastern side of town).

The road upgrades require the removal of a number of trees, which cannot be avoided during the works or are considered to be unsafe.

An arborist has inspected all of the trees along Service Road 2 and found that most trees are in poor to average condition and nearing end of life.

Council recognised the benefits of an avenue planting along Mount Burr Road and proposed to remove and replace the ageing cypress trees with mature Claret Ash (Fraxinus Raywoodi).

In seeking feedback from the Mount Burr community, council provided attendees of the consultation sessions with the opportunity to vote for three tree removal and replacement options.

Tree removal works are expected to start next month.