14/02/2024
WARRA recently contacted the Royal Agricultural Society on behalf of several concerned members and member groups in regard to the potential loss of 3 significant mature trees at the Claremont Showgrounds to make way for what we understand to be a Circus Tent for an upcoming Cirque Du Soleil event.
The response is below, the Town of Claremont has also issued a media statement > https://claremont.wa.gov.au/council/news/media-statement-royal-agricultural-society-western-australia-temporary-event-circus-tree-removal/
The response notes that no decision has been made regarding the trees whilst noting that a planning application is currently with the WAPC.
Given this is private land the RASWA can do as they wish with the trees.
A member also asked WARRA to conduct a petition on this matter which is not something WARRA could undertake without further specific details. There is however a change.org petition which is gaining traction for those interested. https://www.change.org/p/protect-claremont-showgrounds-gumtrees-for-endangered-cockatoos
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"To ,
Thank you for your email, we have noted the concerns of the WARRA members and member groups.
We have over 410 trees on the Showground which have been planted by RASWA and are regularly assessed by an arborist to monitor their health. Given the number of people coming through the Showground, any decision on managing trees is a balance between public safety, operational needs and environmental impact.
The provision of shade is important for Showground events and as part of our redevelopment plans, we have engaged a landscape architect to ensure we improve the landscaping, including appropriate tree coverage. In the future, this could include both removing and planting new trees as we move aging infrastructure.
There are 3 trees in the area of our side show and event space and where it is proposed that Cirque du Soleil infrastructure could be placed, which is subject to a current approvals process through the WA Planning Commission.
No decision has been made by RASWA regarding the three trees and we are evaluating options as part of our planning processes. We will determine the exact location of infrastructure, taking into account various aspects, including impact to trees, connections to power, water and sewerage, noise impacts to neighbours, public safety and other considerations.
The trees are located on private property owned by The Royal Agricultural Society of WA, and we will make a very considered decision once we have all the information, and all options are known to us.
Kind Regards,
Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia"
RAS tree removal - circus - Claremont Showground
