[Greens-Media] NSW Government can save Laman Street figs

[David Shoebridge]

*NSW Government can save Laman Street figs*
*MEDIA RELEASE - 11 October 2011*

The NSW Government has both the ability and responsibility to step in and
save Newcastle's Laman Street figs according to NSW Greens MP David
Shoebridge.

"The Greens have written to the Minister for Heritage Robyn Parker
requesting that the government take action to save the Laman Street figs,"
Mr Shoebridge said.

"The passionate community opposition to the removal of the Laman Street Figs
has arisen from the spurious basis on which Newcastle City Council is
removing these trees. There is no credible evidence to suggest these 80 year
old trees pose an unacceptable risk.

"Minister Parker can break the deadlock by declaring the Laman Street
Precinct as a state significant heritage site, recognising the collective
value of the figs, the Captain Cook Memorial Fountain, Memorial Grove,
Baptist tabernacle and War Memorial Cultural Centre.

"The state government also has the ability to transfer the roads authority
from Newcastle City Council to the RTA, and take over all the management of
the trees.

"Taking either of these avenues would allow for thorough peer reviewed
testing to be done on these trees to gauge the actual risk they pose.

"The Greens are calling on the government to step in and act as a circuit
breaker in this conflict between Newcastle City Council and the local
community," Mr Shoebridge said.

Media contact: Mark Riboldi 9230 3030 | 0433 753 376