FRANKSTON Council will make a plea to the state government to have greater protection placed on red gum trees.
Council voted on 22 July to make “representation” to the Premier Daniel Andrews, energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio, planning minister Richard Wynne, Aboriginal affairs minister Gavin Jennings, and local MPS “requesting a special significant classification be placed over the native Red Gum (Eucalyptus Camaldulensis) population in the municipality of Frankston City. Of particular importance are the more mature trees ranging in age between 100 years and in excess of 500 years.”
The passed motion also noted that “given the life span of this species (around 1000 years), the older trees occupy a highly significant place in both landscape and history, pre dating European settlement, and therefore are an irreplaceable living link with traditional owners of this land to the present day and, as such, should be enshrined as part of the national heritage.”