VIDEO | The war of the Rosewoods wages on

WARNER STREET

Victoria Stone-Meadows

Last updated: 22/11/2018, 16:00:00 (AEST)

SHE SAID, TREE SAID: Port Douglas resident Danielle Piat is fighting to save the Rosewood trees on Warner Street. Image: Victoria Stone-Meadows

A petition calling on Douglas Shire Council to retract plans to cut down the trees in Warner Street Port Douglas has garnered more than 1700 signatures.

The petition was started by Port Douglas resident Danielle Piat about a month ago following a report from council recommending the trees be removed.

“About a month ago we heard the trees were going to be removed, so we had a meeting with council and did a walk around,” Ms Piat said.

“It was after this we agreed we would do this petition and since then it’s had a pretty good response from the community.”

In September, Council released a report asking ratepayers to choose between three different streetscape options to upgrade Warner Street.

The options all included removal of the Rosewood trees that line Warner Street between Owen and Grant Streets.

Since then, Ms Piat and other residents have met with council representatives a number of times in an effort to keep the trees where they are.

She said there has been frustration and discontent among the community with Council’s lack of communication since the initial consultation period.

“They just went silent,” she said.

“I sent in my submission and didn’t even get an acknowledgment of receipt, then I sent an email asking to meet [Douglas Shire CEO] Mark Stoermer which didn’t happen, I then emailed council asking for a copy of their brief to Cardno, but got nothing back.

“We are asking for transparency.”

TREESCAPE: The infamous Warner Street Rosewoods have an unclear future. Image: Victoria Stone-Meadows.

Ms Piat said she has met with Mr Stoermer a number of times about the trees and has another meeting with him next week.

She said herself and other residents want to find a compromise where Council can upgrade the street without removing all the trees.

“Absolutely we are willing to come to compromise, that was our latest conversation with Mark, lets come to a compromise where we’re happy and you’re happy.”

“Take out every second tree, if they need to, and continue them on, it’s a simple solution.

“The trees are not at fault, we are at fault for not caring for them; they are an asset and should be cared for.”

Ms Piat said she will not stop fighting to keep the trees on Warner Street but hopes an end is in sight soon.

“I’m sick of it, I just want to know that they are safe. It could be the best street in town but let’s keep the trees,” she said.

Douglas Shire Council was contacted for comment but no response has been received.