PETITION SUBMISSION: Tamworth Regional Council general manager Paul Bennett, left, accepts a petition of more than 6000 signatures (inset) from King George V Ave residents Ruth Stuart, Theo Madirazza, David McKinnon and Carmel Madirazza. Photo: Robert Chappel 040412RCD04
TWO petitions bearing more than 6100 names were presented to Tamworth Regional Council yesterday, in support of protecting 48 English oak trees on King George V Ave.
Calling for the council to “stop the proposed road being developed across the flood plain from Calala through this beautiful landmark” the presentation of the petitions, including one that gathered signatures online, coincided with the close of submissions for the draft development controls for the proposed Peel River Estate.
The petition presented to TRC will be used in conjunction with another bearing more than 7000 signatures collated when the issue of the development was first presented 18 months ago.
Petition organiser David McKinnon said he had been pleasantly surprised with the number of signatures received.
“It really is overwhelming,” he said.
“The fact we could gather 6170 extra names points to council that this is a growing issue and something that won’t go away. People are passionate about the trees and want them to stay.”
Fellow King George V Ave resident Carmel Madirazza, who was present for the petition handover, said she was also delighted with the community support.
“This time we had a lot more involvement from young people,” she said.
“We’re really thankful to them for coming forward and showing that they care too.”
Tamworth Regional Council general manager Paul Bennett, who accepted the petition on the council’s behalf, praised the way supporters of the trees had conducted themselves during the public exhibition period of the draft control plan.
“The group have been following the appropriate processes and have articulated their concerns in an open way,” he said.
Mr Bennett said the public meeting held at Tamworth Community Centre on Monday night had proven that the group was willing to work together to achieve an
outcome.
“Council is determined to make sure the decision regarding the proposed roadway through the avenue is made locally,” he said.
“For that to happen the community need to be vocal and they have been in a way that clearly states what they want.”
TRC had received more than 30 submissions in relation to the proposed development before the closing date for submissions rolled around at 5pm yesterday.
Indications now suggest the submissions will all be considered and a report is likely to come back to a council meeting in June.