Save the gorgeous Gandolfo Gardens at Moreland Station!

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Latest news:

We are horrified to tell you that LXRP contractors destroyed 9 lovely, healthy trees at Coburg Station so far, and 5 iconic trees at Cameron Street. They tried to attack Gandolfo Gardens, but we have managed to fight them off with our peaceful protesting methods. Planning Minister Richard Wynne should be ashamed. Destroying healthy, mature trees that are habitat to possums, flying foxes and many native birds when we've lost so many trees to bushfires!! This is the definition of insanity.

Join the FB group and see how you can help stop the chop!

Guardians Group

Our Festival/Camp-Out at Robinson Reserve went well, and raised more awareness of our cause. The 'Memorial Service' on the 3rd November featured speeches and musical acts. Despite the rain, representatives from a huge range of community groups took the opportunity to put their point across. We were thrilled to be graced with the presence of Brother David O'Brien of Don Bosco.

#savegandolfogardens

- The Community Rally on Saturday, the 20th of October, had a great turnout. Approximately 250 people fronted up to show their support for the trees of Gandolfo Gardens, marching along Sydney Road and blocking traffic.

- Those weasels at LXRP promised that no trees in Gandolfo Gardens would be felled for temporary storage. Yeah, nah. Might sound good, but they've now asked Heritage Vic for permission to remove a whopping "113 trees within the Moreland Station Reserves (comprising 21 trees of high arboricultural value, 20 trees of moderate arboricultural value and 72 trees of low/no arboricultural value" - for 'other' reasons besides storage. Same old story as before, in other words, just a different excuse this time.

- Planning Minister Richard Wynne has taken over the decision re the trees from Heritage Victoria. This cut short the democratic public consultation process.

- Tim Read, MP for Brunswick, asked a question in Parliament yonks ago, asking for the Gandolfo Gardens to be protected from LXRP. The answer he finally received was not only late but sub-standard - that three trees would be planted for every one removed. Any idiot knows that three little trees do not equate to a single 100-year-old tree. No assurances were given to protect the Gardens and surrounds.

- Our Mad Hatters Tea Party genteel protest event, on Sunday, the 4th of August, was a big success. Approximately 150 people attended, adopted trees, joined the Emergency Tree Phone (in case of illegal tree-felling) and enjoyed the festivities, tea and cakes.

- It's still possible to adopt a tree or join the Tree Phone! Let us know via our Facebook Page.

Facebook page

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The gorgeous Gandolfo Gardens and surrounding trees at Moreland Station are under threat!

Named after the first Mayor of the area, the S Gandolfo Gardens on the West side of beautiful Moreland station feature soaring flowering gums, homes for possums, wattlebirds, lorikeets, magpies and hordes of other native wildlife. The remains of an Indigenous Canoe Tree is memorialized in a seating area. On the other side, majestic palm trees and many other mature native trees and shrubs further contribute to neighbourhood amenity and the lungs of the planet. These gardens, along with Moreland station, the signal box, footbridge and surrounding houses form the Moreland Station Precinct, an area of local historical and architectural significance to the City of Moreland.

Incredibly, the Level Crossing Removal Authority (or Project) has now determined, with no public consultation on the subject whatsoever, to chainsaw away the trees in the Gandolfo Gardens and quite possibly the trees on the opposite side to store their SkyRail building materials and equipment.

How dare this government-appointed authority decide to destroy a much-loved community park! These are perfectly healthy, lovely trees that you would think would already be protected under our existing laws. You would also assume that Heritage protection might count for something. Sadly, Tim Read, MP for Brunswick, has heard directly from LXRA/LXRP about these plans.

Don't think it is possible? Have a look at the outcome of similar constructions in Noble Park, Seaford and Clayton. LXRA/LXRP have carte blanche to remove these trees. LXRA/LXRP could surely find an alternative Lay-down area. The carpark near the tram depot springs to mind.

Like many in the community, Moreland City Councillors Sue Bolton and Oscar Yildiz shared the widespread sense of outrage about the prospect of losing a beautiful, established and important area for such a trivial purpose. Sue Bolton was instrumental in submitting a Notice of Motion calling upon Council to help protect the Gardens by working with LXRA/LXRP to find an alternate temporary storage area. After a surprisingly tardy start, the rest of the Councillors have now decided to commit to public action, and the Motion was passed unanimously. This is a welcome development but the Gardens are not yet safe. We need to continue to demand a better outcome for residents and for everyone who enjoys living on a habitable planet.

Please sign to send a clear message to LXRA/LXRP and the Victorian Government, especially our Premier, the Hon. Daniel Andrews, MP Lizzie Blandthorn and the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Richard Wynne, that this intended destruction of our beautiful, beloved and historic parkland is not and never will be acceptable.