Avenue of Honour damaged during internet upgrade

WORK to connect the Queenscliff Marine Science Centre with a high-speed optical fibre internet network has led to damage to some of the trees along the nearby Avenue of Honour, sparking complaints from the local community.

The work at the site forms part of a $4.5 million redevelopment at the marine centre, announced in 2021 by then-state minister for higher education Gayle Tierney, and is being delivered by internet service provider AARNet in partnership with Deakin University, the City of Greater Geelong and Barwon Water.

David Connoley, the president of the Queenscliff Community Association and a member of the Avenue of Honour Reference Group, said he was concerned about root damage as a result of drilling at the site, as well as the damage sustained by several trees after machinery was backed into them during the course of installation.

“To see these young trees just damaged and backed into is unforgiveable.

 

 

“It’s a continual fight for heritage and environment down here… and also we’ve got families [living here] who are descendants of those who planted the trees initially in 1980.”

He questioned why an alternate path for the optic fibre internet network was not considered during the planning process and the apparent lack of environmental controls put in place before the works started.

An AARNnet spokesperson said the organisation took great care to protect trees and the environment, understood the significance of the Avenue of Honour, and had made every effort to minimise impact.

“Any damage is unacceptable to us. We sincerely apologise for any harm caused in this instance and have implemented measures to ensure it does not happen again.

“AARNet halted work at the site when we became aware of an incident in which our subcontractors…may have damaged three trees along Queenscliff’s Avenue of Honour.

“An investigation is currently under way as to the extent of any damage and available remediation options.”

 

 

The spokesperson said the pathway for the optical fibre extension followed an existing “designated utility alignment” and was “carefully selected based on a combination of technical, environmental and logistical considerations”.

She said the organisation had engaged with the borough about the project “on multiple occasions over the last few years”, but it is understood the type of work is exempt from local planning processes under the Telecommunications Act.

The Borough of Queenscliffe did not confirm its level of involvement in or awareness of the project, but a spokesperson said borough officers had now met with the project’s contractor on-site and alerted them to concerns about the proximity of works to the Avenue of Honour.

The City of Greater Geelong directed questions back to AARNet.