The NSW Government has proposed removing 15 Norfolk Pines and 11 Casuarina trees as part of an improvement plan to Port Macquarie's renown painted rocks. Not only will the trees be removed but also a significant portion of the iconic painted rock break wall, including memorials and decades old family traditions.

Please, don’t remove these trees. They are part of the heart of Port Macquarie, they are 80 years old, and deserve to be preserved. While there are benefits to upgrades, this one comes at a cost that is inappropriately high in this era of global climate change. Yes, the path should be accessible to all. Yes, the water way needs to be safe. Yes, the path is cracked and needs to be repaired. But surely, someone, somewhere, can come up with an idea that is far more evolved than ripping down trees to widen a path. Surely, we have the capacity to do better.

Not to mention, the cost, at this time in the community. I work as a Midwife and I can give you 5 million ways to improve the Maternity Unit. Or my husband who works in acute mental health services could show you how to get more bang for your buck by saving lives on a daily basis.

Children need to see us do better to work with what natural assets we are so blessed to have here in Port Macquarie. Please, for anyone who has any desire to preserve some of the beautiful natural historical heart of our past, please sign this petition for our shared future.