Member for Sydney Clover Moore has condemned the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust (SCG) for cutting down the remaining mature trees on the Gold Members Car Park to develop the National Rugby League (NRL) headquarters.
"Yet again the SCG has shown its contempt for public parkland and the community – bulldozing significant and mature trees on its site", said Ms Moore.
"Last year the SCG called upon the community to trust it with Moore Park East, denying any intention to build over parklands – this latest act proves it has no respect for the parklands.
"The community is in shock – there was no consultation or even notification and there is no public information about arborist reports or tree assessments", said Ms Moore.
"I understand the Minister for Sport and Recreation approved the removal along with plans for the NRL development using sweeping development approval powers introduced in 2006 and supported by the Opposition.
"I opposed the legislation and was supported by fellow independents – the legislation which also rezoned public recreational land for commercial development. Since then the SCG has built offices and NRL headquarter plans have been approved", said Ms Moore.
"The SCG is public land that is part of Governor Macquarie's 1811 Sydney Common bequest and the trees provided a link between the site, its history and the rest of the parklands. The trees were essential to the character and amenity of the local area.
"I have been contacted by local residents distressed about the loss of the trees – trees are vital in the inner city, providing shade in the built-up urban environment, reducing temperature extremes and providing habitat for native fauna", Ms Moore concluded.
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