Community concern expressed after trees felled over holiday break

Planted in 2002, the Paulownia trees were visible from Bells Line of Road and accessed via Old Kurrajong Road.

The plantation had been used by wedding photographers for shoots, and their destruction had raised concerns by local residents on social media that the land was being prepared for development.

But a statement from council’s director of city planning, Linda Perrine, said there were limited development opportunities because the land was flood prone.

“The land is flood prone (below 1:100 flood level) and there are limited opportunities for development in this location, 105 Kurrajong Road, Richmond,” Ms Perrine stated.

“The trees were planted in 2002. In 2005, the owner at the time advised council that the trees would be ready for harvesting in eight to 10 years and that the trees would then regrow from the original root and the process would start again. The property was sold in May 2017.

“Council is making further enquiries regarding this matter.”