More than a kilometre of mature gums and native trees along Grose Vale Road, Grose Vale are set to be cleared next month, as part of Redbank’s controversial housing development. The large-scale tree removal, planned for October, has angered local residents, who reached out to the Hawkesbury Post this week after noticing the trees, many large old gums had been individually tagged for removal.

Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) says the planned clearing is part of a road-widening project agreed upon between Redbank developers and HCC under a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA). They said the felling of these trees is necessary to accommodate the expansion of Grose Vale Road. Residents are also angered that the road widening and tree removal is not located on the side of the Redbank development, but instead along the opposite side of the road - just metres from established homes not associated with Redbank. 

The removal of native trees in the area has sparked growing anger within the community. Loss of habitat is known to be one of the greatest threats to native wildlife, including endangered koalas, which rely on the region’s trees for survival. The destruction of native habitat in the Hawkesbury is increasingly being seen as a significant environmental issue, with locals expressing deep frustration over the ongoing large-scale clearing.

Late last week, over 40 native trees, including gums, were felled at another development site in Kurrajong, further fueling concerns. HCC has since issued a halt to any further clearing at that site on Hermitage Road.

HCC has defended the removal stating that loss of trees will be compensated through a tree planting schedule that includes 1,049 replacement trees. 

“The Regional Panel in its deliberations, concluded that the proposal would not have a significant impact on any threatened species, populations or communities listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act. The loss of trees at this site would be addressed holistically in the proposed tree planting schedule which includes 1049 replacement trees across the Southern Valley Precinct,” HCC told the Hawkesbury Post.

Council said the works are scheduled for the October school holidays to reduce traffic disruption, although final approval for road occupancy is still pending.