Regional Roads Victoria has vowed to replace the World War 1 memorial trees at Tintaldra which had to be chopped down following the recent bushfires. The avenue of honour was completely removed late last week despite community members wanting them to be given a chance at survival. "We understand the importance of these trees to the community and that's why we'll ensure a memorial to those who served in World War 1 is replanted in Tintaldra," RRV regional director Steve Bowmaker said. "We're continuing to work closely with the community, RSL and Towong Shire regarding next steps now these fire-damaged trees have been removed." "Wood from these historic fire-damaged trees has been made available to the community to be re-purposed into a fitting tribute." RELATED An appropriate memorial sculpture at the site made from some of the re-purposed timber is being discussed with the Corryong RSL sub branch. The trees were badly burnt in the January. Member for Benambra Bill Tilley said he would make sure RRV delivered on its promise to re-plant the avenue of trees. "I've spoken to experts who inspected the trees and suggested they should have been given time to regenerate," he said. "This is our history, testament to a time when one in five Australian men fought for their country and as these trees commemorate, many who made the ultimate sacrifice, people should be outraged. "It appears that with the stroke of a pen came the swoosh of a chainsaw and along with that the axing of our history. "I will make sure this promise to re-plant the trees is carried through and the avenue re-established."
"We understand the importance of these trees to the community and that's why we'll ensure a memorial to those who served in World War 1 is replanted in Tintaldra," RRV regional director Steve Bowmaker said.
"We're continuing to work closely with the community, RSL and Towong Shire regarding next steps now these fire-damaged trees have been removed."
"Wood from these historic fire-damaged trees has been made available to the community to be re-purposed into a fitting tribute."
An appropriate memorial sculpture at the site made from some of the re-purposed timber is being discussed with the Corryong RSL sub branch.
The trees were badly burnt in the January.
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley said he would make sure RRV delivered on its promise to re-plant the avenue of trees.
"I've spoken to experts who inspected the trees and suggested they should have been given time to regenerate," he said.
"This is our history, testament to a time when one in five Australian men fought for their country and as these trees commemorate, many who made the ultimate sacrifice, people should be outraged.
"It appears that with the stroke of a pen came the swoosh of a chainsaw and along with that the axing of our history.
"I will make sure this promise to re-plant the trees is carried through and the avenue re-established."
