Councillor Chris Harris

Media Release

Two Hills Weeping Figs in Selwyn Street Paddington, estimated to be at least 50 years old and listed on the City of Sydney Council’s Register of Significant Trees, were turned to pulp last week.

Yet less than 12 months ago, the City of Sydney Council proudly announced the creation of the Register of Significant Trees in which the figs of Selwyn Street are described as: ‘in some cases over 50-70 years old, with cultural/historical and social significance as well as significant visual/aesthetic appeal.’

Greens Deputy Lord Mayor Chris Harris: “The fact that the two figs were causing damage to property is not in dispute. The issue is why council is trashing the Register on which it spent substantial amounts of rate -payers money.

“Pulping the two Hills Weeping fig trees was bad enough, but council didn’t even follow their own process - the whole street should have been leafleted before the trees came out. And then to arrogantly announce that the replacement trees will be Weeping Lilly Pillys - a totally different species - is outrageous.

“Selwyn Street is listed as a ’streetscape of significance’. For decades the figs here have formed a canopy that looks just stunning. The register was set up to help manage these trees and ensure their continued protection for the benefit of the community and future generations. To replace the two pulped Hills Weeping Figs with Lilly Pillys is like replacing one side of the Town Hall with fibro - you wouldn’t consider it” Cr Harris said.

A petition signed by approximately 100 residents has been handed to Cr Chris Harris requesting the City of Sydney Council replace the felled figs with their own kind.

“What I’m demanding is that council hold off planting the Lilly Pillys until after it has consulted with the residents of Selwyn Street and an independent arborist nominated by the residents.” Greens Cr Harris said.