Lorne trees uprooted

CONTRACTORS have removed three large trees from Lorne’s town centre this week, causing confusion among locals.

Workers lopped trees on Monday at the front of the Mantra Hotel and beside the Great Ocean Road, opposite a Lorne shopping strip.

It’s understood the trees had become rotten and had branches overhanging at a nearby footpath and road and posed a safety risk to community members.

Land manager Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority indicated the removal was the responsibility of the area’s leaseholder, Mantra Lorne.

GORCAPA also indicated the authority and the Surf Coast Shire inspected the trees earlier this year before this week’s removal.

The shire’s general manager of place making and environment Chris Pike said the council determined the works could go ahead without a planning permit.

“As the trees were on land managed by Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, council’s role was to determine if their removal would trigger requirement for a planning permit,” he said.

“Council advised the authority and the general manager of the Mantra in late March that a planning permit would not be required.

“The land is zoned public park and recreation and covered by heritage overlay however the trees were not identified as requiring a permit for their removal under these controls. The trees were also exempt from the need for a planning permit under the relevant native vegetation provisions because they have been planted.”

The removal caused a stir online Monday after several Lorne residents were apparently caught by surprise that the trees were gone.

Social media commenters raised concerns about visual impacts of the missing trees, potential impacts to wildlife habitat and a perceived lack of consultation.

Nearby business owners also indicated they were unaware the trees would be removed until works started on Monday.