Padbury still silent over who the mystery investor is

After promising to have an answer on who was fronting the $6billion to build the Oakajee port and rail project by this morning, Padbury Mining have now announced they need more time. It's unclear why it takes a week to hand over a name to the ASX, but we are now informed that Padbury Mining expect to make an announcement by the start of trading this Thursday.

Padbury Mining shares have been suspended until this time, after surging dramatically following their announcement last week of the securing of the funds.

Geraldton locals were mixed between skeptical and cautiously optimistic following last week's announcement by Padbury Mining. As expected, many brushed the announcement off in an "I'll believe it when I see it" approach.

Others felt Padbury Mining, who seemingly appeared out of nowhere with the announcement, aren't equipped to deliver such a large project.

Speculation over why the investor/s wish so strongly to remain anonymous will now only intensify, adding fuel to those who are skeptical about the true motives held for wanting the port to be built in the first place.

Geraldton set to grow as Padbury announce "Oakajee Funding Secured"

Padbury Mining announced this morning that they have secured 100% of the funding needed to build the Oakajee deepwater port and rail. The Oakajee Port and Rail project is expected to cost approximately $6 billion to build.

The money is coming from Australian private equity investors, a big surprise as many expected the Chinese to foot the bill.

With the limited space around the Geraldton port, and the fact that it cannot accommodate larger ships, Iron Ore miners in the Mid West have been wanting a longer term solution for some time.

A dedicated rail network will be built to connect mines in the Mid West to the new port.

Perhaps most exciting beyond the building of the port and rail, is the potential development of the land surrounding the Port as an industrial estate.

Around 15 years ago the state government purchased large amounts of farming land in Oakajee with the intention of developing it into a value adding industrial estate, conveniently located next to the deepwater Oakajee port and away from the more densely populated Geraldton. The land has been sitting dormant since that time, with tenants who rent the homes scattered about the area forbidden from using the land to grow crops.

The story of the non-event that the Oakajee Port has been to date is a long and frustrating tale for those who have wanted to see it built. But today's announcement puts it firmly back on the top of the top of discussions for the business community of Geraldton and WA.

Timing

While anyone who bought an investment property in Geraldton in the last 10 years probably wanted to see this happen a lot sooner, the timing for building the project at a reasonable price might actually be great. Anecdotal reports indicate mines around WA are starting to slow or finish their building and expansion projects, meaning less staff are required for day to day operations.

This has caused an influx of unskilled labor to arrive back in Perth and other regional areas around WA, as people's positions on the mines are no longer required.

This means the cost of labour may not be as high as it otherwise would have been to build the Oakajee deepwater port and rail infrastructure, making the project somewhat more feasible.

As we mentioned in our earlier article, Padbury acquired some intellectual property from Yilgarn back in 2011, which now looks like a very good move.

What still has to happen?

• The next step toward the project becoming a reality is the definitive feasibility studies. Pre-feasibility studies are underway, but there's a few more calculations that need doing apparently.
• Finding the right engineering, procurement and construction companies. It's a complicated project and will require world class expertise to make it happen. The CEO of Padbury is in Korea at the moment shopping around for the right contractors.
• Getting the miners and investors in the project to agree on pricing. Basically each mine in the Midwest that wants to use the rail and port infrastructure is going to have to pay, but if it's cheaper just to go to Esperance, then that could hinder Oakajee. The team Padbury put together need to get all the local mines to come to an agreement on price.

 Click here to read the full annoucement from Padbury. 

 What will this mean for Geraldton?

While the amount of iron ore in the Midwest is not at the scale as our neighbours to the north, there's no doubt the extra funds flowing into the region will stimulate economic activity in Geraldton and the Midwest.

What do you think this will mean for Geraldton? What will the social impact be?

Oakajee Deepwater Port and Rail Infrastructure about to be formally given the go ahead

If you've lived in Geraldton for more than 20 years, a headline like this probably won't make you blink. "I'll believe it when I see it" is often heard when the "O" word comes up in conversation around town. But it appears a private wealthy Australian has come to the party as a silent investor and along with Padbury Mining, will be helping make the long talked about project a reality.

Padbury Mining acquired intellectual property from Yilgarn Construction back in 2011, who had, and then lost, the rights to build Oakajee when Alannah MacTiernan and the labor party decided to tear up the agreement they had with Yilgarn and make them bid for it again against another company, Murchison Metals.

Murchison Metals won the bid, formed another company called OPR (Oakajee Port and Rail) with Japanese giant Mitsubishi, and kept everyone holding their breathe for years before finally admitting they couldn't get the money to build it.

It was reported earlier this month that Padbury had signed in excess of forty non disclosure agreements with potential suppliers that wish to be involved, many of which have invested their time and energy to develop a clear pathway for the project to proceed. (proactiveinvestors.com.au)

Today shares in Padbury were put in a trading halt, pending "a material announcement regarding the execution of a project financing agreement for the development of the Oakajee Port and Rail Infrastructure Project in the Mid-West region of Western Australia".

Geraldton organisations named ‘Champions’ for water efficiency

Local organisations Durack Institute of Technology and NazarethCare Geraldton have both been named Water Corporation champions at the Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) awards. Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated two local organisations after receiving the accolade, with both having won platinum or gold awards for two consecutive years .

Mr Blayney said they were to be commended for their water efficiency and conservation measures resulting in both being awarded Champion status this year.

He said to receive such an achievement two years running is outstanding and is a demonstration of the kind of water efficiencies that make a real difference.

The WEMP program assists businesses which use more than 20 million litres of drinking water per year to reduce water use.

Overall businesses participating in the Water Corporation’s Water Efficiency Management Plan program saved 13 billion litres of water in 2012-13.

In 2012-13, 339 WA businesses collectively saved 13 billion litres of precious drinking water, which is the equivalent of almost 6,000 Olympic sized swimming pools.

Mr Blayney said the savings illustrate the business community’s commitment to Western Australia’s water future.

The Water Corporation’s WEMP program, which has been supported by Department of Water since its inception, has saved 31.5 billion litres of water since it began in 2007. Through the program businesses make permanent changes to their operations, which continue to deliver savings in the long-term.

Thirty two companies received a Champion Awards, Platinum Awards (for more than 50 per cent improvement in water efficiency) were presented to 12 businesses and Gold Awards (for 35-50 per cent improvement) were awarded to 29 businesses.

A total of 37 businesses received Silver Awards (25-35 per cent improvement) and 64 will receive Bronze Awards (10-25 per cent improvement).

Public turn out to cleanup Chapman River

Over 30 garbage bags were filled with rubbish after the weekend’s cleanup of the Chapman River.

Organised by community group Chapman River Friends, the public was invited to help clean up the local area.

The cleanup focused on Chapman River Estuary between Spalding Park and the river mouth.

The weather proved perfect with over 30 people from small children all the way up to the elderly along the river and using stand up paddle boards to clean up as much rubbish as possible.

The volunteers were even lucky enough to take in some of the amazing animals of the river.

“It was a perfect day and everyone had a lot of fun in this useful outdoor activity,” the group said on their Facebook page. 

“Thanks to each and every volunteer for their valued help and thanks to the City who provided equipment for the cleanup - and plates of yummy fruits!”

Friends of the Chapman River urge anyone who is walking along the Chapman River to take a bag with you to remove rubbish along the way.

“The Chapman River Regional Park will be very grateful!”

Nursery invites community to open day

The City of Greater Geraldton Community Nursery is sprouting successfully with an abundance of seedlings since relocating to new premises at Waggrakine six months ago.

A community open day is planned for Sunday March 23 for everyone to visit see what goes on at the plant nursery.

The nursery provides the space to propagate seeds collected by community groups and individuals from local native plant species that suit local soils and climate.

City Natural Areas Officer, Wendy Payne, said the open day is to show the community where the nursery is currently at and to encourage more people’s involvement.

“Volunteering at the Community Nursery is relaxing and fun, not to mention that you are constantly working alongside people who have the same enthusiasm and interests as you,” she said.

“There are many jobs for those who wish to volunteer including pricking and potting as there is still much to do before planting season in June.”

Although the nursery has a total capacity to hold up to 200,000 seedlings, the City aims to plant 10,000 to 20,000 seedlings this year.

Ms Payne said thanks to community groups, volunteers and Durack Institute of Technology the nursery is growing fast.

“We have planted 10,000 seedlings already in the new shade house, that’s almost the half-way mark of our aim,” she said.

The open day is from 9.30am to 12.30pm with a morning tea provided. Those wanting to participate are requested to bring a hat, water, wear long sleeves and enclosed shoes.

For more information contact the City’s Sustainability Team on (08) 9956 6600 or email to robynn@cgg.wa.gov.au.

Turtle talk to help Gnaraloo’s unique program

The Western Australian Museum – Geraldton is doing its bit to help a unique program to protect residents of a remote stretch of WA coastline in the world famous Ningaloo Marine Park.

The Gnaraloo coastline is building fame in its own right because of its endangered sea turtle populations.

Sea turtles nest and hatch on beaches along the Gnaraloo coastline annually, generally from November to April.

“We are hosting this talk so people can learn more about the turtles and the Gnaraloo turtle conservation program,” said WA Museum – Geraldton regional manager, Leigh O’Brien.

Project manager for the Gnaraloo Turtle Conservation Program (GTCP), Karen Hattingh, said the sea turtle nesting rookeries on beaches along the Gnaraloo coastline are of major importance as the largest confirmed mainland nesting rookeries of endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in Western Australia.

“The Gnaraloo Station Trust has been researching sea turtle nesting activities on the Gnaraloo coastline with consecutive full season surveys since 2008 and set up the GTCP to undertake this work,” Ms Hattingh said. “There are two key sea turtle nesting rookeries on the Gnaraloo coastline, within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area and Ningaloo Marine Park, namely the Gnaraloo Bay Rookery and Gnaraloo Cape Farquhar Rookery”.

The nesting loggerhead sea turtles at Gnaraloo are part of the third largest loggerhead population in the world. Loggerheads are endangered and are listed in Australian legislation as a Matter of National Environmental Significance.

The nesting beaches on the Gnaraloo coastline are also used by endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and critically endangered hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).

The GTCP aims to:

• Collect reliable, high quality data on sea turtle nesting activities
• Protect significant rookeries
• Inform management activity to promote the long term survival of sea turtle populations and
• Involve schools, community and environmental groups and the public with sea turtle conservation through educational programs at Gnaraloo and offsite presentations in regional and metropolitan locations in Western Australia.

The GTCP research is licensed by the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife and establishes important baseline data for an area with little existing scientifically verified sea turtle information.

Gnaraloo Station is a working pastoral station and wilderness tourism business about 150 km north of Carnarvon, in remote north-western Australia.

The GTCP is supported by other partners and bodies, among them the Australian Government, Rangelands NRM Western Australia, Department of Parks and Wildlife Western Australia, Esri Australia and Animal Pest Management Services.

The lecture on March 18th at 7pm and is free.

Drought assistance a big win for WA farmers

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has welcomed the Commonwealth Government and Western Australian State Government’s combined approach to rolling out last week’s announcement by the Prime Minister of a $280 million drought assistance package, as a priority.

“It is important that as many Western Australian farm businesses as possible are able to access the Federal Government’s drought assistance package,” Ms Price said.

“Although this has been funded by the Federal Government, the scheme will be administered by the State Government. This will be in accordance with the criteria negotiated with the Commonwealth, which will be important in ensuring this funding is effectively delivered to those in need.

“I have been encouraging Western Australian Minister for Agriculture and Food, Hon Ken Baston MLC to reassess the criteria for the Concessional Loans Scheme, to enable more farmers to apply for the $50 million Federal Government funding that is available.

“It is important to note that the Abbott led Government’s $280 million Drought Concessional Loans is a separate scheme with different eligibility criteria.”

Ms Price said loans of up to $1 million, or up to 50 per cent of eligible debt, whichever is lower, will be made available at a variable rate, starting at 4 per cent, for a term of up to five years.

“More generous criteria for accessing income support will also be made available to farmers from 3 March 2014 instead of 1 July 2014,” Ms Price said.

“I encourage all Durack farm businesses that are doing it tough due to the decrease in seasonal rainfall to seek advice about their eligibility rather than self-assessing.”

To learn more about eligibility criteria, phone the Drought and Farmer Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.

For more information on the drought support package or other assistance available, visit http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/assistance/drought-support-farmers-fact-sheet

City say feral rabbits are in for a shock as they start a baiting program

The City of Greater Geraldton have today released a public notice about their upcoming rabbit baiting program. The statement is as follows: 

Feral rabbits are in for a shock this month as the City of Greater Geraldton begins its rabbit baiting program for the Chapman River Wildlife Corridor.

The council will continue the program for a minimum of seven weeks to March/April 2014 in an effort to control the environmental damage caused by the notorious pest.

The baits will be laid by a licensed contractor within the park where high numbers of rabbits are observed. The bait is oats mixed with a poison called Pindone.

Pindone is an anticoagulant poison similar to that found in many rat and rodent control baits. It is used in these situations because it poses a lower risk to humans and pets than the bait used in broad acre rabbit control.

There is also an antidote available from veterinarians should there be a concern about pets.

Deceased rabbits may pose a very minimal secondary poisoning risk to roaming pets, therefore caution is advised during the baiting period.

Warning signs will be placed at the perimeter of the Chapman River Wildlife Corridor before the commencement of the program and removed when the program is completed. 

Cigarette butt is said to have started fire near airport

Local fire fighters were quick to stop a fire near the Geraldton Airport this morning which is said to have been started by a cigarette butt that someone had thrown out of a car.

The 000 call came in at 9:45am and local fire brigades were there within minutes to control the blaze which burnt approximately 0.2 hectares of land next to the airport.

The City of Greater Geraldton’s Chief Bush Fire Control Officer Andrew Darbyshire said people need to realise how dangerous disposing of a cigarette butt can be.

“So many people don’t realise the extent of what a cigarette butt can do, just like today,” he said.

“People might drop them on their lawn and nothing happens but on a day like today when the humidity is very high fires start.”

Andrew praised both the volunteer Moonyoonooka and Waggrakine Bush Fire Brigades for their efficiency in controlling the fire.

“The guys from both these fire brigades are unbelievable and they’ve done an amazing job,” Andrew said.

“We also must thank Tru Line and WBHO who are working out here and dropped everything to help us out.”

Geraldton Mount Magnet Road was closed for nearly 30 minutes as it looked as though the fire may cross the road. 

The fire has been fully put out now and all roads are open. 

Government release shark catch data and say the methods are working well

The State Government has released details of the first three weeks of its new drum line initiative, part of a $23million shark hazard mitigation program.

The South-West contractor (who commenced January 25) has caught 23 sharks in total, disposing of 13 tiger sharks over three metres in length, and successfully releasing six smaller sharks.

Since February 1, Department of Fisheries crews operating at the five metropolitan beach sites have caught 43 sharks.  Four tiger sharks have been disposed of, 34 have been released.  Some 28 of these sharks have been tagged with ID tags to assist with research and shark tracking.

In total, 49 sharks were under three metres in length, nine were dead and 40 were released alive. These figures are current as at 6pm, Sunday, February 16.

Fisheries Minister Ken Baston said today the early results showed the methods used by the crews were working well.

“We have caught and destroyed a number of large sharks within one kilometre of selected beaches, at a time of year when our beaches are crowded.  This catch data proves there are a large number of big sharks near these beaches,” Mr Baston said.

Both the South-West contractor and the Fisheries crews have been able to successfully release the vast majority (82 per cent) of any sharks under three metres, with no by-catch of other marine species.

“We believe the hook and bait systems we are using are successfully targeting larger sharks and not other fish species, and I commend the crews who have been diligent in releasing as many caught sharks as possible,” the Minister said.

The Fisheries vessel used in metropolitan waters has been modified with a specially constructed ramp and sea water circulation system to ensure sharks smaller than three metres survived.

“The crews try to support the shark while it is being measured, tag it where possible and release the shark out at sea if time allows,” Mr Baston said.

Fire near Yanchep. Rd closed

Avoid Indian Ocean Rd if heading to or from Perth. Closed near Yanchep due to fire.

Call for community support to prevent theft and dumping on building sites

The City of Greater Geraldton supports the Master Builders Association’s awareness campaign that asks the public to keep a look out for, and report, suspicious activity around building sites.

Both theft and illegal rubbish dumping on building sites are costly for new home owners, builders, and the environment.

The City’s Manager of Urban and Regional Development, Murray Connell, reinforced comments made by Master Builders Association Midwest Regional Manager, Di Gilleland, that millions of dollars in damages and theft on building sites and newly completed homes ready for handover are reported by builders every day.

“It is sad to say that many thefts are conducted right under our very noses,” she said.
Ms Gilleland said that vandalism to new homes causes stress to the new home owner and adds cost and time to the builder.

The Master Builders Association has also advised that dumping waste in builders’ bins is also illegal and can attract fines under the Litter Act of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for businesses.

The City’s Regional Waste and Energy Manager, Mark Wong, is also behind the campaign, reiterating the Master Builders Association’s concerns that dumping is unsightly, sometimes unhygienic and can contribute even more waste to landfill.

“Building waste, where it’s not interfered with by non-building site waste, is separated into diverse waste streams at the Meru Waste Disposal Facility for recycling purposes,” said Mr Wong.

Vigilance by community members in reporting suspicious activity can interrupt criminals and reduce the damage bill to wallets and the environment. People should contact the police to report vandalism on 9923 4555 or the illegal dumping hotline on 1300 766 541.

City of Greater Geraldton say they are not culling Corellas

The City of Greater Geraldton have today said that a media release they issued on January 23 about the culling of Corellas is incorrect. (click here to read original story)

After Everything Geraldton published a story and photograph yesterday, the City have since released a statement saying that the culling is in actual fact not going ahead, despite previously saying the cull was necessary to stop the extensive damage. 

Everything Geraldton was alerted to the presence of dead birds around town by members of the community, but the CGG reassures us it's not from any cull.

"The City is not culling Corella's. A gas gun is being used to disperse the birds and culling would only be used as a last resort. Should culling be necessary, strict procedures would be followed to undertake the cull. No birds would be left injured, all birds would be humanely euthanised," a spokesperson from the City said. 

The City also said that the gas powered gun does not kill the Corellas, it’s fired into the air to scare them away - there is no projectile from it.. 

"These corellas could have died of natural causes, or could possibly have been poisoned, it is definitely not as a result of the City firing a gas gun."

The City say there are no immediate plans to start the culling of the birds but the situation could be reassessed if the problem increases.

City Parks staff are currently liaising with the Department of Environment and Conservation regarding the problem.

Community mixed

Some members of the community yesterday expressed serious concern regarding the proposed culling, and they'll be pleased to hear it's not actually happening. Others, however, were keen to see the birds culled as the damage the birds have been doing is quite extensive. Some even shared photos of damage caused by the swollen Corella population. 

Shark sightings in Geraldton

Perth Metro Shark Alerts Facebook page yesterday revealed the sighting of three sharks of the Geraldton coast. A 5m tiger shark was spotted on the 9th and 10th of February while a 5m white was spotted on February 11th and a 4.5m white on February 12.

All reports were at 600hrs and at 2nd red channel marker, otherwise know as seal rock near the Geraldton Port.

City is underway with cull on Corellas

The cull on Corellas has begun after the City obtained a permit from the Department of Environment and Conservation to get rid of up to 400 of the birds.

With a recent increase of Corella activity causing widespread destruction of public buildings and flora, the City have taken measures to decrease the impact in local areas.

This is a last resort for the City after gas sound cannons failed to stop the birds.

The licence obtained by the City allows for up to 400 Corellas to be culled in Alexander Park, Utakarra Park, Wonthella Park, Wonthella Sports Complex, Greenough Oval and Walkaway Town Site.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said in a statement last month that the cull was important to stop large-scale damage in local areas.

“No one takes enjoyment from the culling activities, but it is necessary if we are to stop the extensive damage that the Corellas are causing,” he said.

“Our objective is not to reduce the number of Corellas but to move them on and prevent the damage they cause in our City.”

NACC uses unmanned aerial vehicle for pilot on erosion and seaweed

[tentblogger-youtube Yw7HL9PA544]  

NACC has undertaken a project in conjunction with Edith Cowan University aimed at estimating the amount of beach wrack that washes up onto Geraldton Beaches. The pilot was done using the latest technology of Unmanned Ariel Vehicle /UAV (sometimes referred to as Drones)  to collect this data against GPS coordinates, using a multi-rotor, vertical take off and landing system with two different cameras. Beach wrack, otherwise known as seaweed, and other vegetation that washes onto the shoreline is an important component of coastal ecosystems.

It releases nutrients back into the system as it breaks down, acts as a food source for invertebrates that are in turn are an important food source for young fish and provide beaches with a measure of protection against erosion NACC commissioned Geraldton aerial video and monitoring specialists New Era Ag-Tech to pilot capturing video footage from which wrack deposition on local beaches can be calculated. The pilot took place in January in which New Era Ag-Tech recorded video footage across three sampling flight transects including Southgates Beach to Separation Point, Separation Point to Pages Beach and St George’s Beach to Drummond Cove.

From this footage wrack deposition is calculated along the shoreline. If the pilot is deemed successful, NACC and New Era Ag-Tech intend to continue to monitor the beaches across the same transects over the next 10 months, providing invaluable data of the movement of wrack onto Geraldton beaches to the nearest 2 centimetres. Using Special gimbals (the anti-shudder levelling equipment) on the UAVs, hold the cameras in place and steady against the Geraldton winds to ensure the bet footage. Ag-Tech were delighted to use their technology to benefit shoreline conservation in partnership with NACC, and would look forward to working on more conservation projects in the future. Ag-Tech is fully licensed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and has been pioneering the use of UAV monitoring in WA’s broad acre farming industry over the last 18 months.

Ellendale Pool water test results normal

Following last week’s warning to stay out of the water at Ellendale Pool (about 45km south of Geraldton), recent results of water testing have come back normal.

However the City of Greater Geraldton’s Environmental Health and Sustainability Manager, Mark Chadwick, encourages users to be cautious due to warm water temperatures and warns the presence of Amoeba is still a risk.

“Generally speaking primary contact recreation including diving, or other activities where water may potentially be thrust up the nose should be avoided,” he said.

“This is particularly important for young children, which potentially may represent the higher risk group of disease occurrence."

Preserving the beauty in Drummond Cove

Drummond Cove residents and five designers from CoDesign Studio have been working on a plan to design a foreshore for the area.

The team have been here since Saturday and have been hosting events to engage the community and find out what they would like to see on their foreshore.

Team leader Hugh Adamson said yesterday that the response from the community had been very constructive.

“Generally speaking, people are excited about this opportunity," he said.

The team will undergo a series of workshops with the community before submitting a plan on Saturday night.

“We had nearly 60 people here at the launch which consisted of older Drummond Cove residents as well as families from new Drummond Cove,” Hugh said.

“And the general feel is that they want the beauty of this location to be preserved.”

Hugh said the location was the driving force behind the project.

“The Drummond Cove community is a very strong one and it is the location that is driving the sense of value that they want to preserve,” he said.

“So far the general feel is that people don’t want any stainless steel, high colour over the top stuff, they want it to remain a natural low key place where people can keep their connection with nature and the sea.”

If you would like to have your say, here’s what you can attend at Drummond Cove’s Batten Hall this week:

Tuesday Feb 4th 3pm-5pm: Community Visioning Workshop

Thursday Feb 6th 6pm-9pm: Participatory Design Workshop

Saturday Feb 8th 7pm-9pm: Presentation to Community and feedback session.

City to revitalise West End

Following on the successful completion of the Esplanade, the City is poised to start extensive refurbishment works on one of Geraldton’s most precious heritage buildings, the Original Railway Station on Marine Terrace.

Once completed, the Original Railway Station will house the Geraldton Visitor Centre progressing the West End’s position as a valued community asset and an entry point for visitors to the City.

At the same time much needed refurbishment works will be undertaken on the Sail Inn Fish and Chip shop.

Adjacent to and in between the two sites are a number of iconic Moreton Bay Fig trees which are listed on the City’s Geraldton Tree Preservation Inventory register.

City of Greater Geraldton Director of Creative Communities, Andrea Selvey, said the trees haven’t been given a haircut for a number of years and the result has been some damage to the buildings.

“The leaf and fruit litter from this particular type of tree is aggressive to the metal roofing as well as blocking the gutters and down pipes,” she said.

“To prevent interference with the replacement of roof structures on both buildings, some judicial pruning is required. Given the size of the trees the amount of growth removed will be quite minimal.

“A Norfolk Island pine, adjacent to the building will also require some pruning, works will be carried out over the next two weeks and is estimated to take two days to complete,” said Ms Selvey.

An arborist was engaged by the City to inspect the trees and to produce a detailed report to guide the required work. The health and maintenance of the trees is of paramount importance and every precaution will be taken to ensure they are not damaged.