The removal of long-standing trees at Maitland Park to make way for a cycleway has outraged residents who believe the threat to native birdlife has not been considered.
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Park Street residents Jim and Denise Sellers have lived opposite the park, near the netball courts, for almost 50 years and are devastated the trees have been chopped down.
“Maitland City Council has done some beautiful things, don’t get me wrong, but when it comes to cutting down trees then that’s not right,” Mrs Sellers said.
“These trees have been here since we moved here in 1967 and we are so sad they are gone.”
Maitland City Council infrastructure construction and maintenance manager Ashley Kavanagh said the trees were cut down to make way for an additional 800-metre section of cycleway in Maitland Park.
“The trees, which are Norfolk Island Hibiscus, are not ideal for areas like cycleways and public parks as they drop an itching nettle which can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations,” Ms Kavanagh said.
“Council will be planting new, more suitable, trees and gardens in the future.”
But Mr Sellers remains concerned about the future of the area’s birdlife. “These trees have been here since before we have lived in this street and they attract birds like black cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets but we won’t see them anymore,” he said.
* The next two decades for Maitland Park has been carefully mapped out.
Maitland City Council adopted the Maitland Park Master Plan earlier this year.
The master plan and plan of management for the city landmark were compiled to make sure a co-ordinated approach was taken in developing the area in the future.
The plan includes a $7 million indoor aquatic centre, 654 new car parking spaces and a multi-purpose amenities building for sporting teams that use the site.
A one million dollar netball amenities building, upgrades to hockey and croquet facilities, extra picnic areas and outdoor fitness stations are also planned.
