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Pine tree finally faces the chop

Posted on December 16, 2009, 3:03pm and updated on December 17, 2009 at 9:22 am

Pine tree saga ends
A three-year battle has ended for a Mount Gambier resident who was granted permission on Tuesday night to remove a huge Norfolk Island Pine from her front yard after City Council had previously refused to permit her to fell the tree.

Vickie Weber shared the surprise news with her neighbour this morning that the tree at her Lake Terrace East home would go.

“The tree party will be on,” she said, explaining she was relieved by the decision.

“My youngest daughter said quick, ring someone so we can cut it down now.”

She said wind blew nuts from the tree onto her roof, scaring her children as the noise sounded like heavy hail, constantly falling fronds were a nuisance and roots had damaged fencing, paths and created a safety hazard.

Ms Weber said she would now proceed with plans to remove the tree and develop a new driveway to provide undercover access between her car and house.

“We can also get the fence fixed and have a beautiful front garden,” she said.

Ms Weber said she had received constant support from the public to continue her campaign for the tree’s removal.

“That gave me strength to keep fighting for what the community and I think is the right to do what you want on your own property,” she said.

Council’s monthly meeting blew out to three hours on Tuesday night when councillors spent 20 minutes debating the topic.

Crs Pasin, Mutton, Kyrimis, White, Jim Maher and Penny Richardson supported the decision, with only councillors McDonough and Harfield opposed.

Cr Allen Smith left the chamber during the debate due to a conflict of interest.

  • Full report in The Border Watch on Thursday.
  • Picture: Vickie and Kristy Weber prepare to cut the tree down.
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Comments

2 Responses to “Pine tree finally faces the chop”

  1. H on December 16th, 2009 3:49 pm 1

    ABOUT FREAKING TIME!

    Only took 3 years for common sense to prevail.. Guess it proves the point.. Common sense is anything but common..

  2. Bill on December 17th, 2009 6:37 pm 2

    Another council backflip. Crs have their common sense removed as soon as they are elected,

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