yet again a vast evil force is amassing to destroy our fair neighbourhood and we are desperately calling on our league of super-friends to come to the rescue, to fight the good fight and to overthrow the forces of darkness.

we have until this wednesday 3 may to thwart the ill-concieved plans of the dreaded Dept of Urban Services who desperately want to axe murder and mutilate the mighty Blue-Gums that have so steadfastly provided shelter and shade for small children, stray dogs and fun-loving cockatoos for the past 70 years.

If you agree with me that this is act of eucalytal-euthanasia is an enormous tragedy an irreparable mistake a blasphemy against nature then please forward an objection (you can even just copy mine) to the heart of the evil empire at app.sec@act.gov.au by COB this wednesday 3 may.

stephen barrass

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re: Development Application 20002791: Campbell Street Ainslie - Replace hazardous street trees

I wish to object to this proposal to chop down the Blue Gums in Campbell St. These unique heritage trees should be properly maintained now and for the future.

The proposal begins with the statement that trees do not live forever and at some stage old (large) trees need to be replaced with young (small) trees. But the fact is that these trees are not old at all - Southern Blue Gums typically live for 400 years and these trees were planted less than 70 years ago. They will be old in about 300 years from now.

The department admits that the potential hazard has come about due to poor tree maintenance practices that caused wounding and decay in branches and trunk forks. They go on to state that the hazard can be reduced by heavy pruning. However they dismiss this option because pruning would remove most of the upper canopy and a might not look very good. However, established Eucalypts like these respond to heavy pruning very vigorously and can grow new strong branches in a couple of years. It would not take long at all for the canopy to come back.

Finally the Department argue that the Southern blue gums are unsuitable in this location because of their large size. In fact there are many pines of similar size in the vicinity. The size of the trees is what lends such a majestic impression to this end of Campbell street in contrast to the unimposing oaks further down the street.

The unique streetscape in this part of Campbell Street has taken 70 years to reach its current maturity. If this proposal goes ahead it will take decades before this heritage area regains some semblance of its current nature. These trees have centuries of life left in them, provide a uniquely atmospheric streetscape and are a significant part of Canberra's early heritage. Rather than chopping them down the Department should introduce improved procedures to maintain these majestic gums for future generations to enjoy.