The trees won't be gone for long!

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Don't be alarmed if you see trees disappearing in and around the Newcastle CBD, it's all in preparation for the Newcastle 500 in November.

Civil works are getting underway and there are around 170 trees set to be cut down, but they'll be replaced with 230 new trees which will mostly be of a mature age.

Among the civil works taking place is 170 new carparks around the foreshore, improved access to cycleways, widening of footpaths and in general greater access to the area not only for the race but for years to come.

"Normally the way works go they sort of roll out over a number of years so that's obviously a benefit to the community and the region not just in terms of the time spent doing it but also in the savings of the cost of doing the whole project as well," said Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski.

Instead of being years of work and disruption, the $18 million investment will be completed in just months.

"The net result will be that currently, you've got about 500m squared of shade in that area and once this program is fully rolled out that will increase to about 9,800m squared of shade. So for the people that go down and use the parklands on a regular basis obviously, that's going to be of great benefit to them," said Kurt Sakzewski. 

Image http://www.supercars.com/newcastle/circuit/

Cutting down injuries in tree work industry

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI and JESSICA ROUSE

SafeWork NSW is raising concerns about worker safety in the tree work industry, following a serious incident at Windale last month.

A 25-year-old man fell 6 metres while lopping a tree at Windale and suffered suspected spinal injuries. It's not the only worrying incident with three other workers also involved in similar incidents throughout April, suffering head injuries and lacerations.

"Unfortunately, three workers were fatally injured last financial year and there's a lot of ongoing incidents including serious head, spinal and severe lacerations. So we really need to work closely with industry so we eliminate these issues," said Lawrence Richy from SafeWork NSW.

The Tree Work project will see SafeWork NSW work with tree industry businesses across NSW over the next six months to ensure they're meeting work health and safety, and workers compensation responsibilities.

Lawrence Richy said SafeWork "would like workers to ensure that they're working closely with their employers if they're in the tree work industry and utilising all the safe working systems of work and consulting with their employers," and importantly if there are any concerns no one should hesitate and ring up SafeWork on 13 10 50.

"We will be able to get an inspector out to walk through the proper processes and make sure everyone returns home safely after their days work."

Image www.maalikitreeservices.com.au

Light Rail Construction to Bring More Trees to Newcastle

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

Newcastle's light rail system will not only bring a cleaner, greener transport option to the city, but will also bring more trees.

The New South Wales Government has teamed up with Newcastle City Council to develop the Tree Offset Strategy.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says the strategy will see two trees planted for every tree removed.

Trees are expected to be removed near the Wickham Transport Interchange as roadworks are carried out.

The Council will work with the program to determine where new trees will be planted, with potential locations including the former heavy rail corridor.

Michael Cassel says the interchange design intends on having the smallest environmental impact possible.

The New South Wales Government is investing $510 million on the revitalisation program to bring people into the CBD.