In Elizabeth Bay, there is a secret garden, beautifully kept and well-loved by locals. It was designed by Ilmar Berzins, reputed to be the first formally trained landscape architect in Australia.

The City of Sydney has issued a notice to remove a significant and beautiful Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos TP03553) which sits at the Southern tip of the park. The reason for removal is that the "tree is unable to support itself without aid of adjacent handrail". Although tree structure and safety is an important consideration, the City of Sydney has successfully managed these issues in adjacent parks with tree crutches (a good example is found in a significant Moreton Bay Fig in Rushcutters Bay adjacent to the Reg Barley Oval).

It seems to me that the loss of this tree for the whole of a summer period and, at all, would be greatly detrimental to the park environment and the community's enjoyment of the park. The City of Sydney notice indicates that a "replacement tree will be planted during autumn or winter period". Respectfully we ask that alternative options are looked into to protect this beautiful tree and to preserve the character of the park. Just because a tree is not listed as 'significant' or 'heritage' does not mean it has not contributed to character, environment, or daily local enjoyment. Let's work harder to preserve our tree canopy.

Once you have signed this petition, and given the imminent nature of this removal, we would urge you to get in touch with the City of Sydney directly via the phone number: 02 9265 9333 or via email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au and quote the tree number (above) and the date of notice - 22 September 2021. Thanks for your support of our green city!