BATHURST Regional Council will proceed with its plans to remove poplar trees from Jaques Park in the coming weeks.
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The latest stage of environmental rehabilitation works along Hawthornden Creek at Jaques Park started in April this year with the removal of six poplar trees, but workers were forced to stop when residents began to protest on site.
Councillor John Fry aligned himself with the protesters and tried to get council to retain the trees, but was unable to draw enough support from his colleagues.
Two more poplars are to be removed, but the area will not be left bare.
Mayor Bobby Bourke said the removal of the remaining poplars will be followed by the planting of appropriate trees, shrubs, grasses and other native vegetation along the creek.
"These plants will provide important habitat for local wildlife and will also stabilise the bank to reduce erosion," he said.
Community and student volunteers have helped with the rehabilitation of the area since 2010, and they will again be given the opportunity to help through a series of community and school tree planting days later this year.
To register for participation in the community planting days, visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au or phone 6333 6233.