Parkes Shire Council will continue to monitor the McGlynn/Cheney sporting precinct as it attempts to address salinity concerns raised by Councillor Bob Haddin.
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Mature aged trees have died and newer plantings have either died or are struggling from what Cr Haddin believes are salinity issues.
Funding for further investigations and remedial work, including the appointment of a consultant, is currently under consideration by council for inclusion in the 2016/17 budget.
Ben Howard (Director Engineering Services) presented a detailed report at the most recent Council meeting.
The report indicated council officers had commenced investigations to address the issues identified by Cr Haddin.
These included the impact the removal of the street trees in Baker Street has had on the water table, a detailed survey of the area including surrounding residential streets, determination of a long term solution relating to the water level in the brick pit and an analysis of the current watering regime of the sporting complex.
Previously, Cr Haddin had stated publicly he believed the trees planted around the Cheney Park area were unsuitable and should be lifted and planted elsewhere while they still alive.
He blamed the high salinity levels within the area.
Mr Howard addressed this issue in his report under the heading ‘fit for purpose trees.’
“To date, the trees that have been planted in the vicinity of the new turf include 30 Ornamental Pears, 18 evergreen Magnolias and 18 Pin Oaks,” Mr Howard said.
He described all as being high water users.
“However, once established, they will survive in our climate even without supplemental watering.”
Mr Howard said evidence indicated only four of the Pin Oaks were under salt related stress.
These were the ones closest to the dead Yellow Box Gums in Station Street.
In answer to a question from Cr Louise O’Leary it hadn’t been determined how the Yellow Box Gums had died.
“So they could have died from a fungal disease,” Cr O’Leary said.
Mr Howard said the extended hot and dry spell had made it a very difficult season for the establishment of newly planted trees and shrubs throughout the shire.
Mayor Ken Keith agreed.
“This has been the hottest March in my life-time,” Cr Keith said.
“I’ve noticed lots of trees around the shire have been dropping an abundance of leaves and branches - possibly caused by the extended drought period of 10 years ago.
“This hot and dry summer has possibly been the final straw for lots of trees and plant species.
“However, we need to get a handle on the problem at Cheney and McGlynn through the monitoring of a range of issues.
“$20,000 will be taken out of the Sports Council budget to assist in researching the issues at the sports precinct.”
Mr Howard said council will also undertake a trial of the use of salt resistant turf species for use in the worst affected areas of Cheney and McGlynn ovals.
