Just Two Trees Archives

An open public consultation on the new Draft Tree Management Policy seeks to unify existing policies and enhance tree protection across the region, including in Avalon. The community is encouraged to input as part of efforts to manage the area’s extensive tree canopy.

A Move Towards Consistency in Tree Management

The proposed Draft Tree Management Policy replaces five separate policies from the former authorities, aiming to create a consistent and strategic approach to tree preservation. According to the city officials, the policy aligns with the Northern Beaches Tree Canopy Plan (2023) and prioritises sustainable management, public safety, and biodiversity.

The outlined key objectives of the draft policy include:

Strengthening tree assessment and protection requirements.
Expanding green links between natural areas.
Managing public trees through succession planting and maintenance programs.
Prioritising alternative solutions before tree removal.
Preferring locally occurring native species for new plantings.

Once adopted, the policies of the three former city authorities will be revoked in favour of a single streamlined policy.

Just Two Trees: The Ruskin Rowe Dispute in Avalon

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in Avalon, where removing historic Flooded Gums on Ruskin Rowe has sparked community backlash. In May 2024, NBC informed Ruskin Rowe residents of its plan to remove four trees following a fallen branch incident that damaged a parked vehicle.

While two trees were removed, the final two were protected through a month-long blockade by local residents and community groups. The dispute highlights the broader debate over risk versus environmental benefits, with many locals arguing that Avalon’s tree canopy is an irreplaceable asset.

Award-winning filmmaker Bruce Walters has documented the Ruskin Rowe fight in his latest work, “Just Two Trees”, showcasing the passion of Pittwater residents defending their local landscape.

How and When to Participate

Community members are encouraged to review the Draft Tree Management Policy and submit their feedback.

Submissions opened: Monday, 24 February 2025
Submissions close: Sunday, 30 March 2025

HAVE YOUR SAY

The feedback will be reviewed in April-May 2025, after which a final report will be presented to the NBC for a decision in mid-2025.

For more information or to provide feedback, visit Your Say Northern Beaches.

Published 25-Feb-2025

In a significant display of environmental activism in Avalon, northern beaches residents have mounted an extraordinary campaign to save two 60-year-old flooded gums (Eucalyptus grandis) from removal by Northern Beaches Council.

The dispute began in May last year when council ordered the removal of two trees in the tree-lined Ruskin Rowe following a risk assessment. Two additional trees were marked for removal after a branch damaged a Mercedes, but determined Avalon locals quickly organised to prevent further cutting.

Deb Collins, convener of local group Canopy Keepers, noted that the “owner of the damaged car to our knowledge didn’t take umbrage with council” or seek to have the trees removed. She emphasised that while “quite possibly those [first two] trees did have issues,” the community was “not convinced the next two trees had to come down.”

The response from Avalon residents was unprecedented, with a peaceful blockade halting the planned felling, followed by a month-long community vigil throughout June. “I’ve lived in Avalon about 12 years, and I’ve never seen… that level of interest,” Collins said, noting that over 50 people from various environmental groups and local residents participated in the action.

The community’s commitment extended to crowdfunding an independent arborist assessment by Mark Hartley, who found “nothing that suggests that the risk associated with either of these trees is outside the broadly acceptable range.”

Award-winning Avalon filmmaker Bruce Walters, who has called the northern beaches home for 20 years, documented the controversy in “Just Two Trees,” released Monday. Walters, now living in nearby Bilgola Plateau, said he has become accustomed to “the sound of chainsaws” in the area.

Greens councillor Miranda Korzy, who represents the Pittwater ward including Avalon, said the campaign “wasn’t just about” those two “magnificent” trees but represented “the community putting a stake in the ground” for stronger tree protections.

The Northern Beaches Council is expected to make a final decision following another independent arborist assessment due next month, while a new tree management policy was set for public comment release.

Published 19-February-2025

Tag: Just Two Trees

Avalon Residents Invited to Have Their Say on Draft Tree Management Policy

A Move Towards Consistency in Tree Management

Just Two Trees: The Ruskin Rowe Dispute in Avalon

How and When to Participate

Avalon Trees: Local Community Fights to Save Flooded Gums