This petition originally focused on the protection of street trees following repeated instances of roadside vegetation being removed or heavily pruned under the stated purpose of road safety compliance. Community observations indicate that this work has, resulted in widespread and indiscriminate loss of mature trees and habitat along roadsides and in reserves.

 

It now also addresses the broader issue of cumulative loss of native vegetation and wildlife habitat across the Mornington Peninsula, as these issues are directly connected.

 

We are calling on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to immediately halt the unnecessary destruction of native roadside vegetation, including vegetation removal associated with road upgrades and development works, and to take urgent action to protect vulnerable wildlife that depend on these habitats for survival.

 

Recent works, including vegetation clearing associated with the Truemans Road roundabout project, have resulted in the displacement and death of ringtail possums. These outcomes were preventable and occurred in the absence of adequate wildlife protection measures and appropriate ecological oversight.

 

We have confirmation from the Office of the Hon Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Environment, that responsibility for the protection of roadside vegetation and native wildlife lies with local government. This places clear accountability on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to act.

 

Despite this, council has not provided meaningful responses to formal complaints and has continued to permit habitat removal under planning and compliance processes without sufficient consideration of ecological impacts or its responsibilities under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

 

We, the undersigned, therefore call on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to:

 1. Immediately suspend vegetation clearing in identified habitat areas where alternatives have not been fully assessed

 2. Recognise and protect native roadside vegetation as critical wildlife habitat

 3. Require qualified wildlife spotters and ecologists to be present for all relevant works

 4. Review roadside vegetation management practices that fail to account for coastal and semi-rural biodiversity values

 5. Strengthen enforcement of biodiversity protections within all road, fire, and planning works

 6. Publicly commit to full compliance with state and federal environmental and wildlife protection legislation

 7. Work transparently with the community to prioritise ecological protection alongside infrastructure planning

 

This petition will remain active until measurable, accountable change is achieved.

 

We invite the community to continue signing and sharing to help protect what remains and restore what has been lost.