This petition of certain residents of the Australian Capital Territory draws to the attention of, and requests that the Assembly recognise that:
“There is a significant contradiction between the ACT strategic plan for climate change and separate specifications concerning urban street tree planting, and the ACT Heritage Council’s decision regarding the choice and positioning of replacement heritage trees in Bradfield St, Downer.
“The heritage value of the former CS&IR Dickson Experiment Farm is well-represented in the open space of the Downer ovals, the 400m of heritage windbreak trees that will remain after developments on Bradfield and Melba Streets, and in the retention of the former farm buildings that now comprise Downer Village.
“The planting of evergreen trees close to north-facing buildings of The Bradfield, takes no account of strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change, and no cognisance of government advice that the trees now planted are inappropriate in an urban setting.
“Residents have no avenue to appeal the Heritage Council decision. Neither the local elected representatives including the responsible Minister, nor the government can intervene on behalf of constituents.
Your petitioners therefore request the Assembly call on the government to ensure that appropriate deciduous trees be planted in front of all north-facing buildings in the developments of both “The Bradfield” stages 1 and 2 and the yet to be approved Goodwin Village on Bradfield Street, Downer.