MACEDON Ranges Council will consider the possibility of a temporary $20 rate rise for street tree maintenance in an attempt to find alternative ways to protect its historic elm and oak trees.
A report on the threats to about 15,000 street trees with an estimated value of about $300,000,000 was presented to the council meeting last week.
It is estimated about 10,000 of these trees are suffering stress. These could include those in Avenues of Honour and botanical gardens which have historical value.
West Ward councillor Neil Manning moved a motion that the council should look at innovative ways to water
trees.
Options could include: using neighbourhood and community groups to deliver water, offering rate rebates, relaxing water restrictions, replacing potable water used through pipes and formalising relationships with Friends of Groups.
The motion moved to refer the issues to the 2009-10 budget process and to consider the possibility of a temporary rate rise of $20 a property to fund street tree maintenance during the drought.
The motion was supported by councillors five votes to four.
Cr Manning said he did not think the community was prepared to lose the trees.
"The elms and oaks are finding it tough and it is important to protect them. I hope we can include the community, and gain other ideas and ways of getting water to trees.
"What we need is action and this is the start and a way of letting the public know we care about trees."
South Ward Helen Relph, who spoke against the motion, said she was concerned about the inequity a temporary rate rise could create for ratepayers.
But Mayor John Letchford said the motion was "a positive move forward" because Macedon Ranges townships were characterised by the European elm and oak trees. Newham resident John Luckock is a committee member of The Friends of The Elms, a group dedicated to raising community awareness about threats to elm trees in Australia.
He said the Macedon Ranges was one of the last places with a significant number of the trees and had a great responsibility to protect them.
Mr Luckock said a number of councils, including Melbourne City Council, had done "a great job" watering elms, using various methods including permanent dripping systems and even wheelie bins with dripping hoses attached to them.
He said the Friends of The Elms group could help local councils to monitor elm trees on private and public land.
Woodend RSL president Reg Till said the group had concerns about the future of trees in the town's Avenue of Honour.
"There have been a few trees lost due to natural causes, but I believe the council will do the best it can," he said. "Any attempt to do something is better than doing nothing at all."
Wedge Street resident Paul Reid said
Kyneton was noted for its magnificent street trees, which were essentially irreplaceable.
"We are pleased the council has taken up the issue, but will be more pleased when we see some action."
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