Short stumps are all that remains of an avenue of mature jacarandas at Dubbo in a result slammed by a disappointed resident.
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Mark Gardner has accused state road authorities of a taking a "short-sighted" approach to the Fitzroy Street block near Elston Park that has removed shade and habitat.
He called for trees to be replanted as part of its $14 million upgrade of the Cobra and Fitzroy streets intersection.
Transport for NSW said it recognised the community significance of the trees, but the trees needed to be removed for motorist and community safety.
Mr Gardner has been involved in a two-year battle to save the jacarandas in his block, but late on Monday the axe fell.
"...I think it's fair to say that probably most of Dubbo that's seen it is probably disappointed too, so it's certainly not just me," he said.
Mr Gardner said the trees had been there for decades.
"They give off a really great display when they flower, it's wonderful, but the second point I want to make is they provide a really important function to the community and that is shade," he said.
Mr Gardner said Elston Park attracted families.
"RMS has doggedly said they have planted trees in Elston Park as offsets, and that is true," he said.
"However the point I've been making... is the value of a tree on the street for shade and to break up the bitumen and to cool and provide habitat is far greater than a tree in a park, because cars can't park under trees in the park... I think it's very narrow-minded and short-sighted of RMS to damage the streetscape in that way and not be prepared to actually do the development and replant the trees."
Transport for NSW western region director Alistair Lunn said the government was providing $14 million to upgrade the intersection to improve safety and reduce congestion.
Transport for NSW was carrying out early work, which included the removal of up to 20 jacarandas on Fitzroy Street, he said.
"The community significance of the trees is recognised, however with motorist and community safety at the forefront our projects, the trees need to be removed to improve sight distances for motorists and pedestrians, remove roadside hazards away from the road and retain parking," he said.
"Transport for NSW funded the plantation and additional 12 months of maintenance of 20 advanced jacaranda trees in Elston Park in 2016 to offset the loss of the trees."
The trees were planted by Dubbo Regional Council along the eastern and southern boundary to re-establish a formal tree avenue in Elston Park, he said.
Transport for NSW consulted with Dubbo Regional Council, the Dubbo Street Tree Committee and the community about the removal of the trees, he said.