PORTARLINGTON HOLIDAY PARK - TREE SAFETY WORKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why am I losing my tree?
The collapse of two trees in February 2011, as a result of extreme rainfall and high winds, resulted in the evacuation of Portarlington Holiday Park, and the immediate removal of 19 trees to ensure the safety of Park campers and staff.
Further assessment of Portarlington Holiday Park’s trees by qualified and experienced arborists has resulted in the need to remove another 86 trees to ensure the continued safety of Park campers and staff.
Will I be compensated?
The sites that the season ticket holders occupy will not appear as they have in the past. The sites will be without their usual tree vegetation. If, for unforeseen circumstances, the tree safety works are not completed by 28 October 2011, Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee will offer different options to these campers, specifically:
• Arranging for the affected seasonal campers to arrive at a later date. To these people pro rata season tickets fees will be refunded at $19.67 per day;
• Arranging for the affected seasonal campers to occupy a different site until the tree safety works has been completed, upon which they will then be free to move to their usual site.
Does the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management regret this decision?
It is regrettable that such works need to take place, however safety is paramount and there are no other feasible options.
Isn’t there anything else that can be done, to prevent the removal of the trees?
Various options have been identified and assessed, however to ensure the safety of campers and staff there is no other feasible option.
I have already paid for my site this year. Can I have a refund if I choose to cancel my booking and not to stay in the Park?
Yes. A full refund will be given to affected campers. However, the site cannot be rebooked the following year. Note any Season Tickets will be relinquished if cancelled.
Can I be moved to another site which does have tree vegetation?
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management will attempt to relocate the affected campers, however no guarantee can be made that relocation is possible.
Will you be replacing my lost tree?
Our consulting arborists will be working closely with Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management to develop a Landscape Management Plan which will be looking into the issue of re-establishing new vegetation in the affected areas in the future. Trees may not be planted in the same places as the removed trees.
What steps are you taking to ensure the health and safety of existing trees?
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee, together with the consulting arborists, ArborSafe Australia Pty Ltd., will continue to monitor the health of all remaining trees in Portarlington Holiday Park, as well as other holiday parks located at Indented Head and St Leonards.
Can the space left vacant by the removed tree be utilised for other purposes during my stay, such as for an additional car, gazebo, or tarpaulin?
Trees are not part of the camp site, they were in between the sites and in the majority of cases the tree stump is still in place, so there is no additional space.
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee is committed to working with campers to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.
Can I erect a gazebo in order to provide shade and shelter?
One 3 by 3 metre gazebo is already allowed under the Park rules.
Will the removed trees cause erosion or other adverse environmental repercussions to my site? If so, what will be done about this?
No. The removal of trees will not cause erosion or other environmental impacts on your camp site. If dust suppressant is required shade cloth can be placed over the affected areas.
Who is removing the trees?
After a comprehensive and thorough tender process, Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee has appointed a professional and experienced team to oversee the tree safety works.
Who are the consulting arborists?
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee has appointed a professional and experienced consulting tree arborist to oversee the tree safety works and plan for future requirements.
Who pays for the cost of these works?
The cost is borne by Bellarine Bayside and The Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Have these works been approved?
The Portarlington Holiday Park tree safety works has received Coastal Management Act consent from the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
If I believe my property has been affected by the wind as a result of the removal of the tree, what process do I take to receive compensation?
All property belonging to campers should be covered by their own insurance. DSE Public Liability cover is only applicable to injuries to individuals.
Are you providing other shaded areas for campers?
No.
Why have the works been left so late?
Initially Bellarine Bayside would have liked to have kept the trees. We have spent significant time investigating and consulting on a wide range of assorted options to find the best and safest solution. As a result the consultation processes with Arborists, DSE and contractors has taken longer than desired.
What information will be contained within the Landscape Plan?
The Landscape Management Plan will guide the replacement of these trees and the transition of the caravan park landscape, where tree form and function, public tree risk, tree fire risk, biodiversity and landscape values are balanced to minimise over all risk while providing a functional and attractive landscape.
I have further questions. Who should I call?
Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee has attempted via this document to answer questions which in relation to the tree safety works. If you have any additional queries please call 03 5259 3311. |
