A ROW of cedar trees in the Upper Murray planted more than a century ago to honour World War 1 soldiers will be totally removed after being deemed a risk to the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Corryong RSL sub-branch and local residents were blindsided by the move, but Regional Roads Victoria North-Eastern regional director Steve Bowmaker said they posed a risk to community safety and must go.
"Sadly, these trees sustained significant damage in recent bushfires and an independent arborist has determined that the risk of them falling is too great," he said.
"Public safety is always our No.1 focus, especially when re-opening roads after a bushfire where much of the landscape has been damaged.
"We recognise the significance of these trees to the community and we will work closely with residents, the RSL and Towong Shire throughout this process."
IN OTHER NEWS
RRV has an exemption to remove trees assessed as hazardous and posing an immediate risk.
Under the exemption, the arborist acted to remove them immediately following the inspection for safety reasons.
The trees are not heritage listed and there was no marker on site denoting their significance.
RRV has not indicated when tree removal works will resume.