Media Response |

1. Does City of Ballarat know why the cable snapped? 

Based on a review of available time lapse photography and an independent structural engineering review, it is considered that there was inadequate soil mass within the root structure which resulted in an instability. As a result of this, it appears the cables and ground anchors were subjected to excessively high loads and one of the anchors failed, resulting in the collapse. 

2. What was the cost of transporting all three trees from Echuca and and initially erecting them on Thursday? 

There was no cost to procure the trees and the initial transport cost was in the order of $16,000 , with VicRoads meeting a significant portion of these costs. The trees needed to be removed to accommodate a new road alignment to service the new river crossing at Echuca.

 Council met costs for the erection on site, which was in the order of $20,000. 

3. What was the additional cost of having to re-erect the fallen palm tree and additionally brace the two other trees? Crane and worker hire on Saturday etc. 

The further structural work to secure the trees and crane required for the re-erection  will be in the order of $15,000 - $20,000. 

4. Can you assure residents of their safety? What measures are in place so this will not happen again? 

Yes, the treatment of the trees has been assessed by an independent structural engineer and WorkSafe, giving Council the all-clear for the structural treatment undertaken. 

5. Why did City of Ballarat not decide to put additional bracing on the trees when first erected? 

Officers took advice from manufacturers of the ground anchoring system and from experienced, qualified arborists, and formed the view that the ground anchoring system was an appropriate structural response in the first instance.