We regret to inform supporters that our efforts to stop the planned tree removal and development in Lower Mitcham have been unsuccessful.

On 3 March, we were invited to attend the Council meeting on 17 March to present our petition and formally outline community objections. At that time, we believed the process was still active and that our concerns would be heard.

However, on 9 March, we learned from the builder that the trees would in fact be removed tomorrow, on 11 March. Today, the CEO of St Louis Care delivered letters to some nearby residents confirming that the removals would proceed on that date. This letterbox drop is the first official communication we have received from the business regarding the matter.

When we contacted Council to question how this could occur while our objections were still under discussion, we were informed that development approval to begin demolition and tree removal had already been granted on 23 February—despite formal objections having been lodged on 20 February. The written response to our objection was not received until 5 March, and it made no mention whatsoever that approval had already been granted.

This sequence of events raises serious concerns about transparency and process. It appears that Council departments are not communicating effectively with one another, leaving residents misinformed about decisions that directly affect their neighbourhood.

We are deeply disappointed that our community’s efforts have been rendered futile through a process that lacked clarity and timely disclosure. The lack of transparency—from both the Council (which claims it is bound by state regulations) and the business owner, whose first communication arrived only today—is troubling.

We encourage all petition signatories to raise these concerns with relevant state ministers and elected representatives so that these planning processes can be reviewed and improved. No community should find itself in a position where approvals are granted without meaningful notification or opportunity for response. Key issues include: inconsistency in the application of tree protection policies, lack of meaningful consultation, zoning integrity, and fairness and equality in planning decisions.

We also urge residents to consider these events carefully when participating in future elections.

Given the circumstances, we will no longer be attending the Council meeting scheduled for 17 March, as the decision has already been made and the trees will be removed before that date.

Thank you to everyone who signed and supported the petition. Your support demonstrated that the community does care deeply about protecting the character and environment of Lower Mitcham.