Protest over tree removal

March 16, 2015, 11:55 p.m.

A 91-year-old woman chained herself to a tree in protest of the Western Highway duplication.

A 91-year-old woman chained herself to a tree in protest of the Western Highway duplication.

Natural heritage: Isabel Mackenzie, 91, chained herself to a tree to protest the loss of vegetation resulting from the Western Highway duplication. PICTURE: JEREMY BANNISTER

Isabel Mackenzie chained herself to the century-old tree at Buangor, east of Ararat, for four hours on Monday morning in an effort to save vegetation due to be removed to make way for the four-lane divided highway between Beaufort andArarat.

Ms Mackenzie, who has lived in the area for more than 60 years, said she was concerned about the impact the loss of vegetation would have on the environment.

Lets face it, trees are a living thing ... this tree will die, she said.

I am taking this drastic action to draw attention to the heartbreaking loss of our grandchildrens natural heritage.

All my life Ive been a strictly law-abiding person, but because of the unconscionable damage, I feel compelled to act. Another generation wont be able to enjoy these trees.

VicRoads Western Highway project director Mick McCarthy said the public was consulted before the works began.

Visit link:
Protest over tree removal