Now that we have elected a Green mayor, perhaps it is time to finally establish a 'Significant Historic Tree Register' for our Shire. We fought too hard to stop Bellingen Shire Council from chopping down our beautiful shade trees in Church Street several years ago, to have someone make a decision to kill them in the future!
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After all, our town depends on these magnificent historic trees to keep us cool, as well as adding to the ambiance and beauty of our village and surrounding landscape.
Apart from the benefits to us humans, our birds and marsupials depend on these trees for food and shelter. As such, it would be a great shame not to preserve these heritage trees in our streets, parks, private land and picnic areas, and herewith stop future developers and small-minded people from chopping them down for their own benefit.
Koalas are already close to extinction from loss of habitat, so let's not add to their stress by allowing even more trees to be chopped down, this national emblem deserves to roam freely rather than being caged in a zoo for their own protection!
After all, the forests of cedar were cut down and this region was left desolate and bare. Our forefathers (including Dr Hewitt) showed great foresight in planting these species many years ago, so let's honour their memory by protecting these precious trees.
At the same time we must continue to lobby Premier Mike Baird and his government to stop allowing the destruction and clear felling of our forests and established wildlife corridors on private land!
It is up to all of us to protect what we treasure, so please let us start by establishing a register now, before it is too late.
Ziggy Koenigseder, Bellingen
FURTHER INFO
The plant-loving Dr George Hewitt was the “Johnny Appleseed” of the Bellinger Shire. In 1927, the young GP came to a Valley that was denuded of trees from years of logging. Two years later, he established the Bellinger River Horticultural and Agricultural Society and began planting trees. It is well-known the hospital, Dr Hewitt’s workplace, was beautified. However, Dr Hewitt had a motto of planting “100 trees a year” and thus many streets in the older parts of Bellingen are greener because of Dr Hewitt. Along Church Street, the protective boughs of Dr Hewitt’s trees are evident. As well as planting an abundance of native trees, Dr Hewitt corresponded with other horticulturalists and imported seed from all over the world.