Battle to remove tiny trees after South Perth residents claim ‘multimillion-dollar views’ will be blocked

A South Perth councillor is urging the city to remove six recently planted trees near Lake Douglas, saying they will obstruct multimillion-dollar views of the Perth CBD and diminish amenity for residents. Councillor Nic Coveney has submitted a motion calling for the removal of the trees along the foreshore behind Jubilee street properties during the winter planting season, to plant approximately 135 square metres of low-level planting in replacement and to include an additional $30,000 in the operational budget to cover the costs of his motion. “I have been contacted by, and met with, over a dozen residents on Jubilee Street who are concerned about losing their million-dollar views of the Perth CBD skyline,” Cr Coveney wrote in his motion. “If I had that view, I wouldn’t like to lose it either. I cannot support that happening to my fellow community members.” At the city’s agenda briefing on Tuesday night, residents on Jubilee street shared with the council their concerns over the tree placements. “We have not been provided any respect, courtesy or communication prior to any works performed by the City... hence our disappointment,” one resident said. “I paid a premium price on the location as it includes iconic skyline views.... we also pay some of the highest council rates.” added another Cr Coveney said that while “no one owns a view”, it “ignores the reality that those residents will have paid a hefty sum for that view” and said it would “impact their amenity, but also the price of their homes, which for most people is what they spend their life working towards”. Some of the trees in question are expected to grow between six and 30 metres high and one has already been vandalised. “These trees are presently more akin to the size of twigs,” Cr Coveney said. “Capable of unlawful removal by a motivated vigilante … in time they will grow to block these residents’ views.” Cr Coveney said that his original intention was to replace each removed tree with three others in more suitable locations, but that was dropped after advice it would require “a broader, specifically designed project that includes hydro zoning.” He then argued that urban greening and protecting views are “not mutually exclusive”, outlining other areas in the city where tree planting is appropriate and beneficial. However, city officers recommended the trees remain in place, stating the location aligns with the South Perth Foreshore Strategy and Management Plan. Lake Douglas is part of Node 7 – The Lakes — which prioritises ecological rehabilitation, improved stormwater management, nature play spaces and increased biodiversity. “The trees were located taking account of proximity to neighbouring properties, Lake Douglas and existing plantings,” the city’s report stated. “They are broadly aligned with the dividing property boundaries and are therefore not positioned directly in front of the properties.” The city added that the trees “are well suited to being uplifted as they grow and will therefore provide shade and views underneath once they are established.” The proposal has drawn the ire of a South Perth Wildlife Advocacy group, which said the trees “must stay”. “Those trees support wildlife, provide shade, and benefit the whole community,” group member Mark Mor said. Group administrator Georgina Wilson also said she was appalled at the city’s proposed urban green strategy. “It has no targets, no timelines, and no policy about trees on private land.” she said. Council will consider the motion and the officers’ recommendation at their council meeting on July 22.