It’s too regular an occurence, trees obstruction our local roads. It’s not always a storm or heavy rain that brings a tree down but when we do get storms, bushfires and strong winds the roads can become an obstacle course that hamper vehicle movements and can delay emergency response crews.
Residents have notified Council about problems posed by the many trees overhanging the roads in the district.
On 9/10/25 Council responded to one notification stating “The assessment of trees overhanging the roadway did not reach a level of risk to warrant works in accordance with Councils Risk Intervention Criteria.”
Just two months later at the same location, on the 16/12/2025 a falling tree created a near disaster, just missing a large truck. The driver managed to react quickly enough when he saw the tree coming down and it was pure luck that the truck was not hit and there were no other vehicles in the vicinity at that time.
Traffic however soon built up from both directions and it took a combined effort from the people who were stuck in the traffic to clear the road. One person had a battery powered circular saw another a chainsaw, a third used their vehicle winch. While some cut the tree others dragged the pieces off the road until it was clear and traffic could pass.
Throughout the district several cars have been damaged by falling trees and branches but to date, as far as we know, there have not been any injuries reported.
Liability for damage – The owner of the land is supposedly responsible for managing the trees growing on it. However if a healthy tree is blown over in a storm and it wasn’t diseased or known to be dangerous the landowner is unlikely to be legally liable.
So maybe if residents reported dangerous trees to Council highlighting the dangers they pose to life and property, Council might take a more proactive approach.
Submit requests to Council on-line: https://centralcoastcouncil.custhelp.com/app/utils/login_form or phone 4306 7900
