ENVIRONMENT groups are concerned that the “senseless destruction” of protected, native vegetation is surging in the outer-west.
Moorabool Council has determined that a Woolpack Road farmer who felled a protected red gum in the dark of night on May 18 had breached the Moorabool Planning Scheme and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
“He required a permit and failed to comply there and we are pursuing legal avenues,” council chief executive Rob Croxford said.
The Weekly understands the farmer, Dino Boratto, will be issued an infringement notice and could also face charges.
Mr Boratto maintained he destroyed the tree, which he said was on a “dangerous lean”, for safety reasons. He said an older, protected tree fell in a storm.
Parwan Landcare member Simon Jolly said the group was sad to see the fallen trees.
“The farmer needs to be prosecuted; we want to see him plant 100 seedlings to replace it. It will be really upsetting if council does not pursue this. They haven’t got a good environmental track record.”
Parwan Landcare president Ruth Marnie said the trees felled by Mr Boratto held great historical significance.
“The tree to the left of the house [below, from a picture taken in 1937] is the tree which was illegally felled.”
Melton Environment Group president Daryl Akers said he was horrified when told that several ancient gums had been felled last week in Greigs Road, Parwan.
“Wanton destruction like this is an outrage,” he said.
“These are old-growth trees that have taken centuries to grow. They are home to a variety of native wildlife.
“Old trees have hollows that are nesting sites for several species of birds as well as being valuable wildlife habitat. The ancient trees are a feature of the Melton and Bacchus Marsh landscape.”
