So far, three meetings have been held by Save UNE Habitat Trees after the university announced plans to remove 78 trees across the area. 

Campaign spokesman Tim Collins said university staff were told the trees were being removed because a professional assessment had determined they posed imminent or high safety risks.

“We are not disputing the existence of heartwood rot in university’s habitat trees, or the danger falling branches represent to people and infrastructure,” Mr Collins said.  

“We are confident the consulting arborists are well-qualified to assess trees and detect structural faults.

“However, we are deeply concerned that UNE management have taken the most destructive approach to moderating the risk of injury and damage from falling branches.”

According to Mr Collins, staff received an email about to the removal of the trees on the campus on January 12. 

He said there were other alternatives to tearing down the trees. 

“There are a lot of concerns that the campus is going to irreparably damaged. The removal of 78 habitat trees across the campus will have a significant impact on the local wildlife,” Mr Collins said. 

“The trees and the animals that use them have also provided an important visual appeal to all staff, students and visitors to the campus for over 60 years.

“Most of the remnant trees on campus could be retained and rendered safe by a combination of signage, exclusion-zones under tree canopies, and moving bus stops, carparks, park benches and other points of congregation away from potential danger.”

The University of New England has been contacted for comment. 

More to come.