A big thank-you again to everyone for signing and sharing this petition. And a special welcome to those of you receiving petition updates for the first time.

We’ve passed the 600 mark which is fantastic. Can we go higher? We’ve got time, so with your help, I reckon we can. 

The City of Subiaco’s plans for its new civic building and gardens will involve chopping down many mature trees. The trees in Rankin Gardens not only provide cooling shade but many have been there for well over a century. 

At the electors’ meeting on 18 December, the message was clear - if a tree impeded the design, it would go. We were told that some trees would be “relocated” but how feasible is it to transplant large mature trees? What are the chances transplanted trees will survive? And where will they go? And what about the cost? If project costs start to escalate, getting out the chain saw will be quicker and cheaper.

The replies given by the City and the information on its website about the fate of the trees in Rankin Gardens if these plans go ahead provide no comfort. 

Of particular concern is the fate of the memorial trees, including the tree planted behind the Fallen Soldiers Memorial in memory of Private Ricky Aldersea who died aged 20 at the Battle of Long Tan. Moving these trees to another location belittles their significance and shows disrespect to the people who planted them.

The photo above shows the plaque beneath the tree planted by the City’s then Mayor in June 2021 near the front of the old council building. The City prides itself on sustainability and taking action on climate change. How ironic (and sad) that its plans for the new civic building and gardens will remove the very things that help keep temperatures down and absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. 

Please keep spreading the word and sharing this petition. Every signature counts. 

My sincere thanks again for your continuing support.