Saturday, March 12, 2016

Week 2-2 Anzac Parade Trees


After hearing about the urban form of buildings, I recalled placing a light rail to UNSW was the solution to fixing the transportation problems as I also remembered the protest for cutting down trees along the Anzac Parade when I came back to Sydney after the summer break.

There are several issues in removing the trees. First of all, scientists predict 2016 will be the hottest year on records so they are needed more than ever. Secondly, these perfectly healthy trees provide vital shade, habitat for native birds and other animals and clean air as they take in more carbon dioxide than younger trees. Lastly, some of the trees are of historical importance, planted in 1927 in honour of the Anzacs, soldiers that had fought bravely on Australian’s behalf.

I also believe Sydney should be proud of a transport system that goes around trees, not through them. State Opposition Leader Luke Foley proposed to the government an alternative route without removing trees but had no response. In addition, the protesters even chained themselves to the trees but were unsuccessful.

Premier Baird claimed that the Government had done all it could to minimise removal of trees for the light rail and significantly more trees would be planted to replace them (small tress = 2 trees, medium trees = 4 trees, large trees = 8 trees). Annie Haque, local resident and campaigner responded it is not adequate for the loss as it would take another 100 years to get back what we had.

This is definitely a ‘wicked’ problem with many issues that would bring in removing the trees so I feel that the government should be more transparent that they have been listening to the citizens and find a better way to solve the environmental issues that would bring or if they haven’t been listening, they definitely should.

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