Petition:

We call on Ministers Rau, Mullighan and the Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure to take urgent action to save as many of the 86 Significant and Regulated trees as possible from being destroyed during the "Darlington Upgrade Project". Approximately 50 additional mature trees are under threat from the 1km Northern Extension to project, several of these are of historic significance.

Many of the huge trees to be destroyed in the Upgrade are not in the path of road works. According to a Mitcham Councillor this is to “make way for temporary access roads into the construction site.” Some of these trees are rare remnants of pre-European vegetation. Their destruction is not acceptable in this era of greater environmental awareness. They are also culturally important to the local Kaurna people. Marion and Mitcham Councils oppose the wood-chipping of these trees

We ask that the tract of trees adjacent to the old Mitsubishi site be retained. DPTI is planning to leave a vacant median strip where the trees currently stand.

We ask that the huge old gum tree on the corner of Oak Ave and Maple Ave Clovelly Park be protected from destruction as it is well away from South Road. We express disappointment that the home owner and neighbouring residents on Oak Ave have not been officially notified of the trees’ imminent removal.

We ask that the Regulated and Significant trees slated for removal in the Warriparinga Wetlands be spared

We ask that the Significant and Regulated trees on Laffer Drive Bedford Park be spared

We ask that the trees on the corner of Sturt Rd and University Drive Bedford Park be spared

We ask that the Regulated trees on Flinders Drive Bedford Park be spared

We ask that the Significant tree on Mimosa Tce Clovelly Park be spared

Several of the Significant Trees on Sturt Rd are amongst the oldest in the region, predating settlement, we ask that these trees be protected 

Various Roadside Reserves in both councils are also to be denuded as part of the Upgrade Plan. We ask for these plans to be modified to incorporate as many of these old trees as possible

This region has been the habitat for many generations of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, Kookaburras, lorikeets, Galahs and other assorted native birds. Soon they will be gone.

The State Government seems to have underestimated the public’s anger and dismay towards the destruction of old trees and displacement of associated wildlife. Since Amendments were made to the Development Act relating to trees of significance in 2011, huge old trees have been disappearing across Adelaide’s metropolitan area at an alarming rate. Living in such a hot and dry location, more needs to be done to preserve our natural assets. We would hope that at a some stage an audit be carried out to document what has been lost since the changes to the Development Act

We need more respect shown to wildlife, the wider community and local councils. We need accountability from our public officials.

While progress is inevitable, we ask that more is done to integrate historic old growth with new development and not destroy it for convenience sake

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