Council
3 April, 2024
Bid to save olive tree
Concern has been voiced over what will happen to an ancient olive tree in the back yard of Dimboola's Senior Citizens Building in Victoria Street.
Concern has been voiced over what will happen to an ancient olive tree in the back yard of Dimboola's Senior Citizens Building in Victoria Street.
It is believed the olive tree was planted in 1859, meaning that its 165th birthday is approaching.
It has grown to 13 metres tall, becoming a significant part of the town's history.
The Senior Citizens Building is now permanently closed for public use as extensive and costly repairs are needed, leaving the community worried about the future of the old olive tree.
A local turned to Facebook to seek opinion, posting a short video and posing the question "What do you think?" to Dimboola residents.
In response, a mix of comments flooded in.
One person wrote: "The tree must be saved".
However, not all replies were positive, one posting: "Cut it down".
Most were waiting to see what solution council could devise.
A community meeting with Hindmarsh Shire Council was held on February 20, attended by about 14 people who discussed the Senior Citizens Building.
During the conversation, retaining the olive tree was raised.
Hindmarsh mayor Cr Brett Ireland said officers would liaise with Heritage Victoria to determine if the tree could in fact be heritage listed.
Hindmarsh Shire acting CEO Ram Upadyaya said the planning team was working through several options that would provide lifetime protection for the tree.
Those considered included registering the olive on the Significant Tree Register, implementing a vegetation protection overlay or applying for heritage listing of the tree.
The planning team will soon reach out to community members for assistance.
Written records regarding the historical significance of the tree (including photographs and testimonials) can be sent to info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au