UPDATE: Natimuk Urban Landcare group has responded to residents' concerns over the removal of pine trees along Natimuk Creek.
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A spokesperson said the group had removed potentially invasive woody weeds along the creek, including a few Monterey Pines along its northern edge.
The group said the removal aims to address salinity issues in the creek and provide a habitat for local birdlife through revegetation.
"Experienced contractors were engaged and the group contractors worked with stakeholders and gained all necessary permissions for the project. No nationally or state registered heritage trees were flagged when seeking the appropriate permission from the various public land managers," the spokesperson said.
"Though it was unfortunately learned later that some introduced pine trees located north of the township had historical and local value attached by some community members.
"Some pines had previously died naturally and some were in a state of declining health. Not all trees were treated as part of the project, as they were too close to the road and could be a risk."
The remaining Monterey pine trees will be left.
PREVIOUSLY: NATIMUK residents are voicing their concerns after the cutting down and poisoning of several trees in various parts of the town.
A section of trees alongside the Wimmera Highway leading into the town of Natimuk has been cut down, leaving tree stumps and piles of branches in its wake.
Natimuk resident and former Horsham Rural City Councilor Ian Sedgeman said he was "shocked" when he saw the bare patch of roadside when driving into town.
"Coming back and seeing it I just thought 'oh my goodness', it goes back a fair way and I don't know how far it is going to go," he said.
Mr Sedgeman has lived in Natimuk for 23 years, and said the treeline had been cut back once before. He was concerned the recent clearing would the roadside empty.
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"I was aware that it has happened in the past. Having thought that would have fixed the issues, I was really shocked to see that even a wider removal of trees is now occurring," he said.
"It is at the entrance of our town and towns like to have a good approach, look good for people coming into it. Seeing a row of tree stumps, which was what was left last time and now this time - it is not a good look."
Mr Sedgeman said he was also concerned about the removal of mature trees, despite the tree being non-native.
"I realise some of these trees may have been a non-local species. Okay so when they die replace them with native species. Getting rid of mature trees and leaving just stumps doesn't seem to fit in with what we are all being asked to do," he said.
"I am pretty disappointed that it has come to this.
"That concerns me, if these trees are being removed is there going to be offsetting? If so, where in the Wimmera are we going to see the offset trees planted by the authorities that are removing them.
Have something to say on this issue? Get in touch - alex.dalziel@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
"I just think the entrance to towns and the approaches should be respected a bit more."
Residents have also taken to Facebook to air grievances over a row of pine trees along Natimuk Creek which appeared to be poisoned.
Natimuk Urban Landcare group was contacted regarding the poisoning, but was unable to provide a reply by the time of publication.
Horsham Rural City Council also seeks to remove two pine trees which stand out the front of the amenities block in the centre of Natimuk.
Chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the council undertook emergency inspections of the trees and deemed them a public safety hazard.
"These trees are past their use by date and have had many branches snap out of them over the past few years," Mr Bhalla said.
"They will be replaced by new established trees that will be enjoyed in the decades to come.
"The exact species of the replacement trees is yet to be determined. But they will be chosen to provide shade, improve the visual amenity of the area and increase habitat for native wildlife to support the natural environment."
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