It was a tree estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old, but took only a few hours to chop down to a stump on April 3 to clear the way for highway widening work in Bullaburra.
The decision to remove the tree listed on council’s Significant Tree Register was made in 2009, but the shock of seeing the 30-metre tall smooth-barked apple red gum being removed was too much for some local residents, who gathered beside it to take photos and quietly reflect.
Katoomba resident Aanya Mary said she was devastated by the loss of the tree and the public not being told when it was going to be removed.
She called the decision to chop it “the easy and efficient option” and questioned if other solutions were thoroughly considered.
“This tree would have seen generations of Gundungurra and Darug people rest under its boughs and no doubt [the explorers] Lawson, Blaxland and Wentworth passed its gracious trunk.”
A Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesperson told the Gazette on Monday that options to preserve the tree were discussed with the community at various meetings since 2008 before a decision was made.
“Environmental assessments found preserving the tree would require the acquisition of private property to realign the highway closer to residential properties, substantially impacting these properties,” the spokesperson said.
“RMS began working with the community on ideas of how to preserve the historic wood of the tree. The Blue Mountains Woodturners Group will use some of the wood to create ukuleles and other parts of the tree will be milled and made into furniture.
“Blue Mountains City Council and the RMS are currently consulting with the community on plans to find a ‘final resting place’ for the stump of the tree. Suggestions presented by the community included having the stump placed in Bullaburra Park with a plaque against it.
“Following construction of the new highway, the area will be landscaped with local indigenous species, including 150 new Angophora trees.”
