Highton residents fight to keep the trees

A GROUP of Highton residents are calling for help to not only stop a specific housing development but also keep as many trees in the suburb as possible.

Sixteen neighbours have started a GoFundMe to support their challenge to the planning application for 2 Morven Court at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

There were 108 objections to Arc Townhomes’ application to build a 32-dwelling subdivision at the site, and City of Greater Geelong council refused in late May to grant a permit.

Arc Townhomes have taken the decision to VCAT on the grounds the council did not make its decision in time, with a hearing expected to take place next month.

They have also made a few changes to their application, including reducing the number of townhouses to 27 and retaining four extra trees on the site.

According to the GoFundMe – which has raised more than $11,000 of its $25,000 target – 2 Morven Court is a test case for Highton and Geelong “as approval of the current proposal will lead to much denser development in old Highton, Belmont and other parts”.

“Broad-scale clearing of trees and vegetation in Geelong is destroying established trees and vegetation to facilitate urban infill development that is not sustainable nor environmentally sensitive,” Jayne McArthur wrote.

“Destruction of our tree canopy not only significantly changes neighbourhood character, but also irreparably damages the environment and exposes us, our children and future generations to excessive impact.

“We need your help to raise the funds required to have the appropriate expert representation and take a stand and say it’s not okay to keep bulldozing and moonscaping these blocks for medium to high density townhouses.

“It destroys the tree canopy and leaves insufficient green space.

“We need developments that allow for large canopy trees and add to the amenity of new and existing residents.”

A separate petition, “Secure the Tree Canopy of Highton and Geelong”, has already attracted more than 300 signatures.

The petition, started by Jeanne Nel de Koker, states most of the trees planted by the council in the past were too small to provide sufficient shade, and the vast majority of significant canopy trees in Highton were on private property but were “being felled at an alarming rate”.

The petition, addressed to Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher, the City of Greater Geelong council and Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne, calls for four actions, including adopting appropriate tree protection laws that reflect the council’s concerns about urban heat island risks and urban forest development but also balance the need for housing density and diversity with the health and amenity requirements of present and future residents; and to incorporate policies and policy documents regarding sustainable development into the Geelong Planning Scheme and into existing interpretations by the Planning Department of clause 65.01 and other relevant provisions of the Scheme.