Protecting 14 native trees from developer’s chainsaw will save Knox Council $33,000

The majority of trees at 58-60 Station Street in Bayswater have been taken off the chopping block.

In a last-minute amendment to Knox Council’s decision to put the empty block on the open market, 14 of the 15 trees will be saved.

How was the motion amended?

Council staff recommended councillors approve selling the land on the open market, but with a condition that requires a developer to replace at a nearby site the trees that would be lost - at an estimated cost of $123,586.

Knox councillor Chris Duncan moved an alternative motion at the council meeting on Monday, which would see all but one of the existing red ironbark trees retained, with no replanting required. 

The developers who purchase the land would be required to observe a Tree Protection Zone of 360 square metres around the 14 remaining trees, leaving 63 percent of the 981 square metres as developable.

According to Knox Council, the decision to retain 14 out of the 15 trees would result in a nine percent reduction in the site’s value.

According to property.com.au, the land is valued at around $1 million, meaning council would forgo about $90,000 to protect the trees. Funds raised from the sale would be used for capital works.

What was the reaction from councillors?

Duncan said protecting the trees would “result in a total overall outcome that is better” for council finances.

Councillor Peter Lockwood was the sole voice against the alternative motion, arguing that proceeds from the sale should be invested into social and affordable housing.

Image Credit: Greening Knox