Optus Work performed in Cardinal Avenue

In our blog of 15 November we reported on evidence of trenching very close to a number of young blue gum trees in Cardinal Avenue Beecroft. 

In response to our letters, Council and Optus have investigated, and Trust officers recently met with staff of CLM Engineering, the Optus contractors who performed the work.  CLM stated that they used a variety of techniques to complete the work however they had undertaken hand excavation and tunnel boring when in close proximity to the trees. 

Our officers accept that the trench was not continuous and that there were sections where tunnel boring was used to retain tree roots.  Boring was used to go under driveways and footpaths, but photographs taken soon after the work was performed indicate that continuous trenching was employed where there was lawn, apparently regardless of the proximity of trees.

The Trust's consulting arborist is of the view that this will have damaged critical roots, and the Trust has therefore asked the Council to continue the investigation.