ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON
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/DandenongJournal
Tuesday, 18 July, 2023
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Residents rail against parking
Academy hits the world stage
No home for the Doves
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SPORT
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Trader ire at crossing snub
40¢ Inc. GST
It’s tree cheers! The much-debated tree protection law has passed in front of cheering supporters at a Greater Dandenong Council council meeting. It means locals will require a permit to remove a tree with a stem diameter equal or greater than 40cm measured 1.4m above ground level on private property. After consultation, the permit application fee was reduced from $120 to $75. On Monday 10 July, the public gallery constantly clapped and cheered on councillors arguing for the policy. Greater Dandenong Environment Group president Isabelle Nash, found herself with tears as they celebrated the happy news. “The group were pleased that Councillors had taken notice of residents’ concerns about climate change, and stopping the decline in canopy cover is essential to tackling that.” While the group believe the policy is not a strict one compared to neighbouring councils such as Frankston, it’s been built upon in comparison to the initial policy. “The success of the law will depend on the
effectiveness and resourcing of its implementation which is what the group will now focus on, including pushing for a new canopy cover audit so the Council has an effective baseline to measure against.” According to the council, this proposed local law is needed to boost the municipality’s declining tree canopy. Council’s last audit in 2021 shows only 9 per cent canopy cover in the municipality but Ms Nash says that number was likely to be now even less. Councillor Rhonda Garad said passing the policy is one of her proudest moments. “Saving as many trees as possible is crucial for protecting our health. Each tree should be seen as essential in this regard. “For the future of the Council and generations to come, this law signifies a potential future. The next generation will bear the brunt of climate disruption, and it is our responsibility to take action now to protect them.” Despite 63 per cent of online survey respondents supporting the policy, Cr Bob Milkovic strongly opposed the “wrongful local law.”
Picture: GARY SISSONS
Flames of destruction Shocked onlookers survey the wreckage of Dandenong South mixed-martial arts gym Fighters Xpress, which was destroyed in
what police termed a “targeted“ suspicious fire on Sunday morning. More on page 5
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By Sahar Foladi