General News
12 November, 2024
‘Axed trees had to go’
A FAR North property developer has defended his company against online complaints that trees have been recklessly removed from a Port Douglas building site.
Troy Cavallaro, business development manager of Allaro Homes, which is building the luxurious Mediterranean-style BeChe project off Mitre St at Craiglie, said his company had gone above and beyond to respect the local environment.
“As a developer with deep roots in the Far North – our family has been building here for over a century – I share the community’s appreciation and respect for the natural beauty of our area,” he said.
“I understand the importance of balancing development with environmental stewardship and strive to create projects that reflect that commitment.”
He said tree clearing at the upmarket $50 million 33-lot development was necessary due to ongoing storm activity in the area.
“This project involves raising the site by approximately 1m to address the persistent storm surge risks that affect surrounding properties, including the Ozcare and Port Haven nursing homes,” Mr Cavallaro said.
“These facilities currently experience flooding two-to-three-times per year, often resulting in resident evacuations.
“By elevating the land and implementing a carefully engineered stormwater management system, we have ensured that these floods – and the upheaval they cause for residents – will not continue to be a recurring issue”
Mr Cavallaro pointed to the “comprehensive hydraulic and environmental plan which he said has guided every aspect of the project”.
“For instance, we have integrated bio-retention basins that filter stormwater from the estate before it reaches the ocean, ensuring the protection of our marine environment,” he said.
“While these interventions necessitated changes to the site’s original vegetation, every effort was made to preserve viable trees.
“Many, however, were heavily impacted by fig strangulation and are at or near the end of their life cycle, making it unfeasible to retain them within the raised landscape.”
The company said it had worked with conservation specialists to retain as many trees as possible through strategic adjustments to retaining wall design.
Furthermore, Mr Cavallaro said all the timber from the removed trees was being milled for use in the construction of homes, ensuring the wood’s value was retained within the community.
“Additionally, we constructed a facility on-site for the preservation of local flora, translocating over 140 plant species, including 30-50 orchids, to the Ozcaregreenhouse,” said Mr Cavallaro.
“Native bee colonies were also safely relocated and tree cutting was delayed to allow fledgling birds to leave their nests undisturbed.”
He added that around $200,000 had been invested in flora and fauna preservation, along with relocation initiatives.
“I am committed to Port Douglas, not only as a developer, but as a resident who values our unique natural heritage and wants to share it responsibly with future generations,” Mr Cavallaro said.
“Our work aims to create a sustainable and resilient community that honours the environment while addressing critical infrastructure needs.”
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the council approved the housing development at Mitre St in April of this year.
“There is a requirement that the developer diverts site storm water away from neighbouring Ozcare and Port Haven and towards Sagiba Avenue,” she said.
“Their management plan includes building a retaining wall on the boundary around the perimeter. The roots of nearby trees will be damaged during the construction and sadly the melaleucas were expected to die as a result. They have been removed for safety reasons.
“While it is unfortunate to lose trees both on the site and in the road reserve, mitigation of flooding and functional drainage solutions take priority. The road reserve will be landscaped appropriately once the development is complete.”
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