Last Thursday, VicRoads announced their plan to cut down the tree on 25 June. This came as a shock to many, including the City of Melbourne Councillors who had told VicRoads to go back to the drawing board. You can read an update, including a link to VicRoads' explanation, here: http://www.trustadvocate.org.au/lemon-scented-gum-flemington/ We're not convinced by VicRoads' information bulletin - to us it sounds like if the speed limit was lowered to 50 kph, the tree could stay put and comply with safety standards. Given there are two sets of traffic lights very close to the tree, we think that would be quite sensible. The National Trust has written to the Roads Minister, Luke Donellan, to ask him to reconsider whether the tree can stay put. We know Mr Donellan loves gardening, so if you want to tell him you support keeping the tree, you can contact the Minister at luke.donnellan@parliament.vic.gov.au or (03) 8392 6150. Thank you for your support, from the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) P.S. By the way, tune in to Channel Nine's 6pm News tonight for a story on the tree. The reporter, Kieran Jones, is particularly hoping to speak to Steven Starnawski, who was born under the tree, or his parents. If you know Steven or his family, please contact kijones@nine.com.au or 92403254.