Griffith City Council operations director Phil King confirms that around 40 Sugar Gums growing on the east side of the Kidman Way have been removed from the ground, south of Marston Road and north of Nugan Estate’s property.

“Council has not received any request for permission to remove these trees, it is not known if the trees were located on private property or on the road reserve.” Mr King said.

“Council has advised the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) that the trees have been removed.”

A spokeswomen for Nugan Estate said she also noticed the trees lying on the side of the road but can assure residents that the trees were not cut down by Nugan Estate and were not on the estate’s property. 

A OEH spokeswomen said the Office has received a report of the alleged clearing and investigated the trees on the weekend. 

“The trees have been inspected and are not considered to be native vegetation regulated under the Biodiversity Conservation Act in this location, they are not under OEH jurisdiction,” the spokeswomen said. 

Another spokeswoman for Roads and Maritime Services said they have not cleared any trees or received any request for the removal of trees on the Kidman Way south of Hanwood.

Meanwhile, Essential Energy acting regional manager Ian Armstrong said the company has not been undertaking any vegetation works along that section of the Kidman.

Mr Paterson said he could not fathom why anyone would want the trees to be cut down.

“I came to the Point because of the trees and the river which are beautiful, there doesn't seem to be any consideration to plant more trees,” Mr Paterson said.

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