1500 signatures in one week – over 400 Facebook likes in the same time. The protest against the chopping down of a figtree in Mullumbimby’s Station Street, has taken root, and is spreading branches, so to speak.
The tree is in the firing line of Byron Shire Council who plans to sell the land it stands on for housing, and the land is more valuable minus tree, apparently. But in a somewhat shortsighted move, the Council failed to take into account the protective nature of Mullumbimby residents who are prepared to go all out to save the beautiful fig, which although not a local native species, is an Australian native.
If you would like sign the petition to save the tree, the link is below change.org’s copy:
Hello residents of Mullumbimby and the greater Byron Shire,
This petition has been created in response to the Byron Shire Council’s decision to remove the beautiful fig tree at the end of Station Street (next to Dinosaurs Preschool) to make way for the subdivision of this vacant block of land.
Whilst not opposed to the sale and development of the land, we are very much opposed to the destruction of this majestic tree and with the lack of public consultation on the matter.
This tree does not need to be removed for the development to go ahead. The council had initially decided to save it. This decision was then reversed as the council decided more money could be obtained from the sale of the land if the tree were removed.
We feel this tree will only enhances the visual presentation of the proposed development.
This tree is one of few left in Mullumbimby town centre of such age and presence.
change.org/p/byron-shire-council-save-mullumbimby-s-fig
