RELATED CONTENT: Heritage listing a long time coming
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Eighty two Norfolk Pines in Tuross are one step closer to being heritage listed, much to the delight of a group of residents.
Eurobodalla Shire Councillors on Tuesday, July 26 voted in favor of a recommendation to start the process of heritage listing the tree plantation.
This comes after the Heritage Advisory Committee voted to put the issue forward to councillors.
Councillors Liz Innes and Danielle Brice were pleased a wish from the community was a step closer to being fulfilled.
“This has been a long time coming and it is a recognition of a wish from the community,” Cr Innes said.
“It is important for council to show we value our history. I am delighted it has been brought to council and I would like to see it progress.
“We should not be concerned about this. It gives an extra layer of protection but is not restrictive.
“This is what the heritage committee is all about.”
Cr Brice said the trees made Tuross special.
“They are enjoyed by everyone often,” she said.
“This will mean there will be protection in place for the pines and they will be preserved for the generations to come.
“I am really pleased with the community’s hard work.
“It is so important to preserve what history we do have.
“It is amazing sitting under the plantation canopy and watching the sunrise.”
Cr Milton Leslight said the plantation was a “monument” to the entire shire.
“I am concerned as one or two trees die, the visual effect will be lost,” he said.
Before the plantation is heritage listed, council must seek gateway approval from the NSW Minister of Environment and Planning.
Cr Innes said if a tree was diseased or sick, there would be the option to replace it.
“If one comes out, one gets replaced,” she said.
“That is fantastic. It is really exciting for me as a councillor to see council acknowledge what the community wants.
“It is wonderful.”
As part of the recommendation, the Francis Guy residents and store in Clyde Street, Batemans Bay, was also listed to get gateway approval to be heritage listed.
Part of the old building was knocked down recently to make way for a car park.
Cr Gabi Harding said she was disappointed the store and residents could not have been saved in their entirety, but was pleased parts of them were being recognised.