Robert Scata is concerned about serious injury due to falling tree limbs.
Camera IconRobert Scata is concerned about serious injury due to falling tree limbs. Credit: Supplied/Will Russell d464014

Children, families endangered by falling tree limbs at Spearwood park, resident warns

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

CHILDREN and families using a popular Spearwood park are in danger of being crushed by falling tree limbs, according to a local resident.

Robert Scata described falling white gum branches shading the basketball court and path at Bishop Park as an “accident waiting to happen”.

He said he had logged the issue numerous times with the City of Cockburn.

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“I’ve been warning people not to walk there because massive branches have been coming down,” he said.

“Lots of children play in the park and lots of people use it to walk their dog.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Mr Scata is keen to see three “widow makers”, which he cites as the main threat to public safety, removed.

City of Cockburn engineering and works director Charles Sullivan said the council had not considered removing the trees.

“The trees are visually inspected by Council’s park staff on a fortnightly basis when undertaking maintenance,” he said.

“Any issues are reported to the supervisor who will then engage an independent qualified arborist to assess the tree or trees.”

He said trees were only removed if they were dead or presented a danger to people or property, are likely to damage property, are part of a tree replacement program, or obstruct a council-approved works program.