CRIB Point residents are rallying to protect two mature gum trees at the entrance their housing estate, now under threat from proposed road and infrastructure upgrades.
The two trees at the corner of Cooma and Disney streets face removal as part of planned roads, drainage, and other infrastructure upgrades for properties rezoned from industrial to residential in 2019.
However, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors voted unanimously in support of a motion at their 16 December to explore alternative road designs to preserve the two trees, while also approving a planning scheme amendment to update the development contributions plan (DCP) for the project to be undertaken.
Cr Stephens, who led the motion, said residents had been clear about wanting the trees protected.
“My proposed alternative motion seeks to save these two trees, these two high value mature manna gum trees from being destroyed out of the 27 high-value trees proposed to be removed during the implementation of the infrastructure,” he said.
He told the chamber officers had advised that a different treatment for a 40-metre section of Cooma St, such as spray seal or concrete without kerb and channel, could avoid damaging tree roots.
“This proposed investigation won’t cost a lot, could be achieved within three months,” Cr Stephens said, adding that leaving the section unsealed was a last resort if no safe option was found.
The decision came as council formally received and considered an independent planning panel report on amendment C295morn and endorsed officer responses to all recommendations.
The amendment introduces a revised DCP to address sharp cost increases driven by inflation and construction price rises since the original plan.
According to a council report, the revised DCP, which covers 64 private properties, provides more accurate costings, fills “illogical gaps” in the local road and drainage network, and updates landowner contribution arrangements.
It retains the 70/30 funding split between landowners and council, extends the delivery deadline to 6 June 2030, and removes proposed native vegetation removal exemptions so impacts are assessed through the usual planning permit process.
Total DCP costs are estimated at $5.69m, with council funding at least $1.7m.
Cr Paul Pingiaro said he supported the officers’ recommendations but was cautious about the tree-saving motion.
“I’d love to see them protected and built in there and built around it,” he said, but warned of cost and timing risks.
“I’m just very scared that the DCP could expire.”
Other councillors argued the trees were worth the effort. Cr David Gill described the site as “an iconic entry to this little estate”.
“We don’t need to always remove trees, especially ones like these,” he said.
“This is workable. We can do it.”
Cr Kate Roper questioned the value trade-off, saying, “What’s the price of two beautiful manna gums, $17,000, is it? I think for that amount it’s worth saving,” she said, noting the habitat value for wildlife including koalas.
Cr Stephens clarified that the motion focused on investigation first.
“If it’s determined by that investigation that doing anything will kill the trees… the last resort would be just leaving that little tiny section unsealed,” he said.
Council will now proceed with the amended DCP while officers investigate alternative options to retain the two manna gums.
First published in the Western Port News – 24 December 2025
