Keep Sydney Green - Save the Jacaranda and garden from becoming more steel and concrete

This Petition brings to the attention of the Sydney City Councillors the need to save the Jacaranda tree from being removed. This Jacaranda tree is situated in a “garden island”, a safe pedestrian zone and along side a bicycle lane in Myrtle St. at the intersection of Abercrombie St, Chippendale.

We are fighting to maintain this tree, at this intersection because it desperately requires it. The Council must have also thought so, as this is the second tree they have planted in the very same position. The other was removed to build the existing cycle path about 5 years ago.

Recently without informing the residents or community consultation I found out that Council now wants to place a third signal post it the exact position of the tree. Tree and garden bed to be replaced by steel and concrete. One on either side of Myrtle Street and one in the middle island. Quite unnecessary. From the beginning the Council’s process has been questionable and they have expressed absolutely no effort to maintain the tree within their design.

Only support from you and many others can possibly rectify this decision before it is too late. I have always been reluctant to call on friends as I know how busy your lives are. But if you can find the time, I would greatly appreciate your effort to help me save this Jacaranda not just for today but for future generations to enjoy.

There are no good reasons to remove this healthy Jacaranda tree and garden bed. There are many good reasons to save this Jacaranda and garden bed.

1. This Jacaranda does not interfere with the cycle way or pedestrian crossing, rather is enhances it.

2. This jacaranda can create lasting impression on how a community is perceived by visitors and affect the mood and community pride of its residents. This Jacaranda is a significant aesthetic focal point and can be seen from Regent Street through to Peace Park. This intersection has a busy pedestrian traffic and everyone living, working, visiting as well as patrons to all the hospitality venues will benefit from the aesthetic appeal of this tree .

2. This Jacaranda will help settle out and trap dust, pollen and smoke from the air. Abercrombie Street is becoming one the busiest and therefore polluted in Sydney. This Jacaranda tree is a natural “pollution filter” .It will help absorb some the carbon dioxides and potentially harmful gasses, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide by the traffic and oxygenate the area. A single Jacaranda tree can absorb and store up to 12kg of Carbon dioxide per year and can live upward of 100 years.

3.This Jacaranda is an important natural asset assisting in creating summer shade cover for pedestrians and bike riders alike and reduce temperatures. This tree when mature will radically reduce heat equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours per day.

Significantly, one degree less heat in the city means a 5 per cent energy saving. At great expense, “The City of Sydney is trialing a lighter-coloured pavement in Myrtle Street, between Abercrombie and Smithers streets in Chippendale, as part of an investigation into ways of reducing temperatures in urban areas.” It makes no sense to remove this Jacaranda tree. This is a healthy tree in a prime position. It absolutely should not be removed.

4. This Jacaranda will assist to absorb and block noise and reduce glare. A well placed tree can reduce noise by as much as 40 percent.

5. This Jacaranda tree is a living legacy for the next generation.