The article in the June 5th Community News regarding trees over the Peats Ridge Rd — this isn’t anything new.
On the first Sunday in April 2024, 4am after weeks of rain on a very black and damp road, a week after the 80km limit was imposed, we had a collision with a black wattle tree long enough to close all three lanes at the top of Wards Hill at Somersby — the same place as the truck crash had occurred weeks before.
$11,500 damage to the truck. I crossed all three lanes to reach the bushy end but was two metres too long. I rang 000 for council and police to light up the tree, as except for the hole I punched through, the road was blocked.
Later I contacted the Central Coast Council, whose arborist eventually inspected from the school out to George Downes Drive to come up with three sites for pruning or removal. During that wait, at least five more had blown over by themselves.
The CCC has been told, but doesn’t know Black Wattles are usually riddled with borers, and Mountain Ash and Peppermints only have surface roots and like to grow sideways off the banks for the light until they blow over.
When I drive that road I seem to watch those leaning trees too much. All I can say is that after you have to ring 000, then ring your solicitor. Heads up and good luck.
Garry Cosgrove
