Letter to CEO of TAMS

Mr. Gary Biles
Chief Executive
Department of Territories and Municipal Services
Level 5 Macarthur House,
12 Wattle Street,
Lyneham ACT 2602

December 15

Dear Mr Biles,

URGENT
Announcement by your department of decision to fell white gum, Tallest Tree in Canberra*, north east corner of Corroboree Park in Corroboree Park Heritage Precinct, Ainslie.

I refer to announcements in the media and on Paterson Street Ainslie on Saturday 5^th December to a crowd of concerned people that the government’s intention is to fell this tree.

We have listened to oral information and opinions about the tree, read the media release first announcing the intention to fell it (before a cherry picker was bought in to examine it), heard some media interviews, and observed some attendances by arborists and machinery at the site. We have requested (Via the Commissioner who has received three complaints against TAMS about the tree) that reports and other information supporting the opinions and decision be made available to the public in writing for study and this has been denied.


We find that you have not furnished us with sufficient objective information for any recommendation that this tree should be removed.

I and others are thus aggrieved by your decision to fell the tallest tree in Canberra.

I write to ask that before you take any further action on this tree, you respond by

1. Identifying the statutory powers that you say you have to make such a decision and take such action in respect of this tree.

2.Informing me of what merits review appeal rights or avenues we have as disaffected citizens over your claim.

3. Provide me with a written statement of your reasons for this decision and the facts and reasoning on which it is based.

Yours sincerely,

Katherine Beauchamp
7 Corroboree Park
Ainslie ACT 2602

* opinion of late Lindsay Pryor, + Emeritus Professor Henry Nix on Saturday December 5 last at a gathering in Ainslie gave the opinion that this tree is likely the ‘tallest in the valley’.

Emailed to Executive Officer for Mr Biles
Cc Legal Compliance TAMS
Hard copy follows.