Arborist Report · 132007.616.05

                                                                                Consult Arborist

7 F INDI NG FROM T REE S CHEDULE
7.1   TREE #1 - #3
The original DA for the site indicated that trees in the rear garden of the site were to be
retained, this included two Pines and a Eucalypt.

As the approved DA from 2007 is now over ten years old, the trees originally conditioned for
retention have grown considerably in size. At that time the trees may have been deemed
acceptable for retention adjacent the completed project and capable of coping with the
proximity of the works. Since then the approach to dealing with trees so close to higher density
dwellings has changed and is not normally favoured due to a variety of factors including health
and safety, physical damage and nuisance issues such as loss of light, debris in small garden
spaces and guttering and the anxiety that can be fostered by having large trees so close to a
dwelling. The Australian Standard, AS4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites,
was created to guide developers and arborists to ensure that adequate room is allocated for
trees that are considered suitable for retention adjacent a new development. The past and
current designs for 8 Attunga Heights both intrude into the designated retained trees' TPZs
and with the construction phase taken into consideration, further encroachment would occur.
Their designation for retention in 2007 would be revoked by the new standards in 2009.

The 2007 DA approved the construction of a retaining wall along the eastern/rear boundary
that would have resulted in major SRZ encroachment for all three trees, with potential direct
conflict with tree #3. The construction of the approved design had not been taken into
consideration and as such rendered the retention of tree #1-#3 untenable.

The design of the project has been updated to suit current market trends but the
constructability of the project is still a major factor. Having been advised that the site soil has
a high sand content and that any excavation will result in “over dig”, adjacent trees need further
consideration. "Over dig" is where the ground, and in this case, sand, falls into the hole as it
is not self-supporting resulting in a larger/wider excavation. The creation of the lower ground
floor to the back of the building and the building of a retaining wall will result in this occurring.
This over dig will impact and compromise trees #1, #2 and #3.

In addition to this, the design is proposing to install swimming pools in each garden. The size
and current proposed located have been dictated to by the presence of trees within
neighbouring properties and the requirement to avoid them. Having amended the pool
locations, the functionality of the outdoor space was considered along with the necessity to
reconstruct retaining walls and boundary fences that are currently in need of construction
and/or replacement. These project considerations conflict with the trees #1, #2, and #3 and
as such they are not deemed suitable for retention.

As a means of replacing these large forestry style trees, deep planting areas have been
planned with the intention of growing a green screen and replacing some of the lost vegetation
with suitable and amenity enhancing landscaping.




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