A HERITAGE listed English oak tree, which has stood tall for more than 150 years was another casualty of last week’s storm which hit the Perth Hills.
Planted in what was to become Fred Jacoby Park in the Shire of Mundaring back in 1870, the English oak tree was believed to be the one largest of its kind in the state.
The storm on Tuesday, January 16, caused widespread damage across the Perth Hills and resulted in days of road closures and power outages due to fallen trees and debris.
News of the tree’s damage spread in a Facebook post on the Perth Hills Chat Forum group, which at the time of writing had amassed more than 400 reactions and 120 comments showcasing outpouring of community grief at the loss.
Several commenters shared their wedding photos taken at the base of the mighty tree, while many more shared their own memories.
A Shire of Mundaring spokesperson said the tree had initially formed part of a vineyard and an orchard and was included in the shire’s local heritage survey and heritage list due its historical significance.
“It is unfortunate that it was irrevocably damaged during the recent storm,’’ she said.
“The shire recognises the tree was a valued community landmark,” the spokesperson said.
The shire’s heritage listing categorised the 154-year-old tree’s level of significance as considerable, and “very important to the
heritage of the locality”.
The expectations of such are that “any alterations or extensions should minimise impacts on the original site or building and reinforce the significance of the place.”
However, as the tree was located in Fred Jacoby Park, what happens next is under the management of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
A DBCA spokesperson confirmed the department was coordinating the removal of the tree fall, with the intention to repurpose the wood.
“Further planning is underway to commemorate the oak tree by utilising the wood within the national park and developing the accompanying interpretive material,” the spokesperson said.
