Safety nod for residents

By Melissa Donchi
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges has prioritised the safety of Yellingbo residents over the endangered helmeted honeyeater.
The long-running dispute between residents and the shire ended last week when the council ruled to remove a number of dangerous trees along Macclesfield Road at a cost to the helmeted honeyeater.
The decision will see the removal of nine indigenous trees, the heavy pruning of six trees and medium pruning of 29 trees to allow for vehicle clearance along Macclesfield Road after local residents petitioned the shire expressing concerns for their safety.
The application hit a roadblock earlier this year when Councillor Noel Cliff recommended a report to restrict the use of the road by larger vehicles to protect the habitat of the endangered helmeted honeyeater.
Residents of Macclesfield Road said imposing load and height limits on the road would be unworkable and are not the solution to dealing with dangerous trees.
Emma Rush and Sue and John Clark who own properties, which connect with the reserve, said residents were being put at risk to protect a bird.
Ms Clark said dead and dying trees all along Macclesfield Road were putting residents in danger.
“I am not saying that our wildlife is not important, but do you put the ability of a possum to cross the road, or a bird to fly across, above the safety of people.”
Ms Clark said more should be done to improve habitat on the reserve before compromising the safety and businesses of residents.