Toronto's Trees

Where do you stand on the trees of Toronto town?

The Lakes Mail has been raising awareness over the past few weeks on the possible fate of the Toronto figs. The issue has been described as one that will divide the community, but how will it be divided, it's a little bit more than Treehuggers v's treeloppers.

It could be divided by personal comfort factors?

• People who enjoy sitting in the shade or those that like sweltering whilst they dine in the sun.
• People who like walking along a shady and cooler boulevard or those that like to tan and feel the heat radiating off the footpath.
• People who like to window shop with the sun on their back, or those that like to linger longer in the shade.

It could be divided by cost?

• Business owners whose air conditioners don?t have to work as hard because of the extensive shade coverage or those business owners who like to hear the hum or the air-con cranking, and pay accordingly.
• Businesses who are prepared to pay thousands of dollars to remove the trees or those that will pay to treat the pipes to prevent root growth and blockages and keep the trees.

Or maybe it will divide along the lines of those with a more natural bent?

• Those who think a tree lined boulevard is aesthetically appealing and makes Toronto unique or those that don?t.
• People who appreciate the birdlife and the rarity of the roosting trees or those that see the birds as noise and mess.

On this point there are some places like Currumbin Bird Sanctuary in Queensland and more closer to home the Wetlands Centre that make money off encouraging bird and people interaction, such as breakfast with the birds. Perhaps the Toronto Chamber could investigate getting some funding to promote this rare attraction?

And has anyone considered where will the birds roost if all the trees go? The lorikeets that need these trees are the ones that frequent our gardens and make our backyards buzz with life and are a part of our bushland suburb.

This is a very similar situation to what?s happening with the Laman Street Figs in Newcastle, a quick fix solution is being touted by a few without a full investigation of a variety of options and the impacts on the many who have not been given a chance to voice their opinion.

Make your views known to the Toronto Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 382 ,Toronto 2283,  Phone 4950 5216, Email co-ordinator@torontochamber.com.au   and Lake Macquarie City Council Postal Address: Box 1906 Hunter Region Mail Centre 2310 or council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

This issue will also be discussed at the monthly meeting of the Progress Association on Monday 7th December 7pm.