Potential danger removed safely
1 Jul 11
The large Bunya Pine in the grounds of The Church of Good Shepherd, was removed last month by local arborist Paul Obern, assisted by his ground marshal Alan Gilden, while Gavin Robinson (K.V. Woodcrafts) and his brother Neil from Booligal, milled the timber on site for the next generation of rocking horses and other items which will preserve a part of Valley history.
The Church leaders had been requesting permission from Shoalhaven Council for some 15 years because of the danger of the large pine-cones falling regularly from the tree, which constituted a serious risk to parishioners and visitors to the historic site in the centre of the Village on Moss Vale Road.
The tree was estimated to be about 32 metres tall and weigh more than 100 tonnes and as the sections of the trunk crashed to the ground the shudder of the impact was intense.
The precision of “drop” was commendable given the proximity to the manse, the church hall and another large tree near the children’s play area.
A large group of onlookers were on hand to see the felling of the last and largest part of the tree, which was then milled by Gavin and Neil, ready to be dried prior to later use for the rocking horses and other products.
The tree was considered to be an historic element of the streetscape of Kangaroo Valley and Council completed a photographic record for heritage records prior to the removal.
Protection from danger eventually persuaded the Council of the need for safety, considering the number of visitors regularly using the church grounds, hall and play area, those attending church services, for weddings and funerals as well as the Pattersons (with a young family) in the minister’s residence.
Many people commented on the professional skill of Paul Obern and the thoroughness of all those who took part in the removal.
A really efficient band of “Men at work”.