Immediate Action Required: Save the End Street Plane Trees
— Protecting Deniliquin’s Green Heritage —

We ask Edward River Council to immediately rescind the decision to remove two mature Plane trees on End Street, Deniliquin. 

The Plane Trees are healthy and structurally sound, living assets that provide vital shade, support local biodiversity, and are an integral part of Deniliquin’s character. They have been independently valued at $35,000 each by a qualified Master Arborist.

Their removal—at a projected cost of $25,000 —would represent a significant financial loss and the destruction of living assets that continue to serve our town.

To date, no independent factual evidence has been publicly presented to justify their removal on the grounds of safety or infrastructure. 

A Master Arborist report procured by the SHADE Trees Deniliquin group in February 2025 reviewed two earlier Arborist reports. This review identified that neither of the initial reports clearly identified findings of structural damage. It is these reports that the Council have relied upon in making their decision

We respectfully request that Council:

• Make publicly available, the independent expert advice provided by Master Arborist Ian McKenzie dated 24 February 2025.
• Release all findings publicly of a recent Council-conducted review of this matter to ensure community transparency and accountability.

Additionally, we urge Council to accelerate the development of a comprehensive Tree Policy and Urban Canopy Strategy, to:

• Establish clear guidelines for the protection of mature trees;
• Recognise their economic, environmental, and social value;
• Promote sustainable urban planning and climate resilience;
• Ensure transparent, expert-informed decision-making aligned with best practices and regulatory requirements.

Trees are critical community assets, not liabilities. They reduce urban heat, improve liveability, attract tourism, and deliver lasting environmental benefits. Their preservation is essential to Deniliquin’s sustainable future.

We believe in a collaborative, evidence-based approach that respects both expert input and community values. Therefore, we call on Edward River Council to:

• Immediately halt the planned tree removal.
• Engage in genuine consultation with the community; and
• Explore all feasible alternatives for tree retention.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Your support is vital. Please sign this petition to help protect these irreplaceable trees—for today, and for generations to come.

Sincerely,
Shade Trees Deniliquin Group & Supporters