Readers should find the following extracts from the minutes of 26th May 2003 especially interesting, given the recent publicity over the lack of tree protection in our Green Glen Eira and the procrastination in the development of a Significant Tree Register. Yes, it certainly does look like things move at glacial pace in Glen Eira. Thus far it’s only taken 8 and a half years to get to the stage of the final Council resolution! That’s what we really call ‘timely’!
The extract reads:
“Crs Grossbard/Hyams
That a matter concerning a temporary tree control be considered as an item of urgent business.
The MOTION was put and CARRIED unanimously.
9.2 66A Balaclava Road, Caulfield North File No:
Temporary Tree Control
Crs Grossbard/Hyams
That Council put a temporary tree control on a Moreton Bay Fig Tree in 66A Balaclava Road, Caulfield North.
DIVISION
Cr Erlich called for a Division on the voting of the Motion.
FOR AGAINST
Cr Grossbard Cr Erlich
Cr Esakoff
Cr Marwick
Cr Bury
Cr Hyams
On the basis of the Division the Chairperson declared the Motion CARRIED.
Crs Hyams/Grossbard
That a matter concerning a temporary tree control and Ministerial intervention be considered as an item of urgent business.
The MOTION was put and CARRIED unanimously.
9.3 66A Balaclava Road, Caulfield North File No:
Temporary Tree Control
Request to the Minister
Crs Hyams/Grossbard
That Council send a letter to the Minister asking the Minister to protect the Moreton Bay Fig Tree at 66A Balaclava Road, Caulfield North and that Council Officers examine ways to protect this and other significant trees in the City.
The MOTION was put and CARRIED unanimously.
Glen Eira Debates 
November 14, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Hey Jamie how about leaping to your feet with a point or order on this one and asking why it takes 8 years to even come close to fulfilling a council resolution. What the hell is wrong with you lot. Stick Newton back in his box and make him earn his dough. Your supposed to be running the show not this fat cat. Don’t worry – it’s not bullying just asking a decent question for once. Don’t quake at the knees, don’t turn into a lawyer. Just be a decent councillor and follow up on what you asked nearly nine years ago!
November 15, 2011 at 9:31 AM
The need for adequate tree protection and maintenance in Glen Eira is as old as the hills but nothing has been done for nearly 12 years. Even now it is unlikely that the proposed tree register will amount to much – just a bare couple of hundred trees and that won’t be for at least another year or so. Councillors are asleep on the job regardless of which set they are. They allow officers to dictate, ignore and undermine every suggestion that they come up with. We don’t have councillors representing our interests. We have a set of yes men and political eunichs.