MRA answers to questions about cutting all the trees in the city

The MRA has sought specialist arboriculture advice to record and assess every tree within the Elizabeth Quay project area. The first option is to retain the tree in-situ. If that is not feasible, then the MRA will look to move it to another site either within or outside the project area. If those options do not prove feasible, a decision is taken to remove the tree based on a number of factors such as:
· lack of a suitable site to which the tree could be feasibly moved;
· possible contamination of soil which would mean, if the tree were moved, the contamination would be transferred to the new site; and
· other logistical, cost, and environmental considerations.
Of the 319 trees identified within the project area:
· 38 will be retained in-situ. UPDATE: In the revised plan ALL trees are to be removed!
· 29 will be removed and replanted back into the project area.
· Approximately 70 will be offered to local governments, schools and community organisations for transplantation outside of the project area.
· More than 130 are not suitable for relocation and will be disposed of as they:
o are species that are not suitable for transplantation at their current age and size;
o in poor health; or
o require significant preparation time.
· A further 45 trees will be removed from the road reserve by Main Roads WA and may be offered to the MRA for transplantation.
The MRA has identified nursery space in Anketell where many of the trees that have been removed from the site will be maintained by a landscaping contractor until they are ready to be returned to the public realm of Elizabeth Quay. Locations for the trees to be replanted back into the project area are still to be determined but are likely to include key public areas such as Station Park.

The total cost of removing the trees is part of the $440million approved budget for the project. The MRA is also seeking to purchase approximately 350 trees of varying species through a local supplier which will be grown over the next 2½ years to the required specification and incorporated into the project area in early 2015.