In 1946, the school children of Port Broughton, South Australia, added a heartfelt chapter to our town's history. They planted trees along Mildren Avenue to honour those brave souls who enlisted and fought valiantly for our freedom during World War II, between 1939 and 1945. These trees, rooted in our heritage, stand not only as living memorials but also as constant reminders of the sacrifices made on behalf of our country.

However, today these sacred trees face an unjust threat. The Barunga West Council proposes the culling of these significant historical trees and plans to replace them with jacarandas.This decision comes after an inadequate and non-transparent consultation process with the Returned and Services League (RSL) and the public. The voices of those who cherish these trees and respect their historical importance have not been sufficiently heard or considered.

 It should be noted that jacaranda trees are considered an invasive exotic species that outcompete native flora and damage local infrastructure. They are also considered to be invasive environmental weeds

As a member of the RSL and a resident who values the painstaking efforts of both our servicemen and the schoolchildren who planted these trees, I find this lack of engagement deeply disrespectful. Our community deserves the courtesy of meaningful dialogue and relevant consultation that honours the legacies of our fallen and enlisted soldiers, as well as the contributions of the students who sought to preserve their memory.

We believe that any modifications to the landscape of Mildren Avenue, especially those impacting these memorial trees, require a comprehensive and respectful consultation process. This process should include historians, conservationists, the RSL, and residents of Port Broughton. Together, we can find a balanced solution that acknowledges the memories encapsulated by these trees while considering the future needs of our community.

Furthermore, independent environmental assessments should be commissioned to evaluate the potential impact of such changes on our local ecology. Such steps will ensure that our actions today do not inadvertently compromise the ecological and historical integrity that future generations deserve to inherit.

Join us in opposing the unnecessary culling of these historic trees and the proposed plantation of jacarandas. Let's demand a more open, inclusive, and respectful consultation process from our Council. Stand with us to protect our shared history and environment.

Sign this petition today and help ensure that the spirit of those who defended our homeland continues to be honoured, just as it was intended by those children nearly eight decades ago.