The magnificent fig tree in Alfred Street Ramsgate Beach Sans Souci is threatened to be cut down, solely over plumbing issues. It is an otherwise perfectly healthy tree that has served the community for generations in numerous ways. 

This petition seeks support to protect the fig tree in Alfred Street next to Ramsgate Beach Plaza, from unnecessary destruction. 

Last week Sydney Water informed residents that, after checking a plumbing situation, they decided to simply cut down the tree, scheduled on 23 October 2023. They only gave four weeks notice, via a paper mailbox drop, no other signage anywhere, and without allowing any further involvement by the community. 

The incredible short-sightedness of this proposition is mindboggling. 

This significant tree is an entire ecosystem of its own, like a little forest on stilts. Not only does it form a vast habitat to a diverse range of birds and critters, it also actively cools down this entire corner of the suburb. Australia is heading for a catastrophic heatwave riddled summer, and removing this magnificent tree will only exacerbate the effects of extreme hot weather events. 

Removing the protective layer and shade of the enormous canopy will turn the surrounding roads and concrete into giant heat sinks. Destroying this tree will also add to rising emissions, from additional cooling required by households and businesses in the area, with many more air condition systems running at much higher frequency throughout the suburb. This mature tree, like all urban trees, helps with water conservation, absorbs dangerous air pollutants, and carbon dioxide.

In addition to all the above, the aesthetic value of this awesome tree also greatly supports good mental health. The loss of the tree and the inevitable heating up of the area will have a number of negative health impacts on the local residents.  Not to mention the negative impact on local businesses and eateries around.

This area has lost a number of tall trees over the past few years, and we simply cannot afford to lose another mature tree. I could go on about further impacts the removal of this tree would represent to the community, but we need to act now to prevent this happening. 

Please help, sign this petition and share it around. Thanks.