Tree Angels Watch Over Iconic York Tree

by Kate Laurendi

May 11, 2007

Efforts to save a 104-year-old tree in York have turned sour after the fire brigade was called in to flush out poison from the tree’s trunk.

The iconic Ficus Hillii in Avon Terrace was poisoned last week when two large holes were drilled into the trunk and filled with Roundup. 

Outraged, the York residents have banded to form the “Tree Angels”, guarding the historic landmark 24 hours a day.

The land on which the tree is growing is owned by real estate agent Russell Poliwka and has been earmarked for a shopping centre and flats.

Standing 15m, with a canopy of 23m across and a trunk of 3.7 metres around, the tree has been in the main street of York for as long as many can remember.

“It’s the first major thing you see when you turn into the main street, and people are just astounded that this tree is even being considered for demolition,”  York resident Roma Paton told eMU news.

The York Shire Council has received 660 written submissions from alarmed residents, asking the developer to keep the tree in the plans.

Ms Paton said: “The community of York, I believe, feel very let down, very badly, by the Shire of York, which is why they rallied and marched on the Shire. “

She also has asked the State Government to stop the development.

However Mr Poliwka feels the tree isn’t of historical value.

“I think it’s a long straw to say the tree is a historical icon.  It’s a weed, an introduced species.

“Some of the community say that it provides shade.  I will be providing more than shade.  I am proposing to construct shops and shelter for the community.  Probably one of the most significant buildings in York in 40 years,” he said. 

In Parliament, Greens MP Giz Watson encouraged Ljiljanna Ravlich, representing the Minister for Heritage to intervene, however her response was “No”

Ms Ravlich’s told Parliament: “(It is) determined that the tree is not likely to be of significance to the state of Western Australia in its own right and forms only one element of a much wider precinct. Accordingly, it would be inappropriate for me to place a stop-work order on the tree.”