A Dandenong Ranges community project is carving up a storm after Major Road Projects Victoria donated 25 tree logs to Treasuring Our Trees.
Having collected and stored logs from the Clyde Road Upgrade in Berwick, crews from MRPV and Seymour Whyte delivered the logs to Treasuring Our Trees, which is set to use the logs for several projects.
An idea that grew out of the devastating June 2021 storms in the Dandenongs has turned into a flourishing community project, as Treasuring Our Trees creates a number of amazing art pieces from fallen and donated logs.
“We are excited to have received 25 trees from the Clyde Road Upgrade – we now have over 2000 trees that were salvaged since 2021 going to over 30 projects that we’ve completed,” Treasuring Our Trees founder David Ferrier said.
“For trees that have to be removed on Big Build projects, we’re really pleased to be able to repurpose them back into local school and community projects and especially now, more than ever, supporting local First Nations artists and organisations.”
These trees have been used to create sustainable garden projects, indoor furniture, sports equipment, outdoor yarning/teaching circles and imaginative play spaces amongst others.
While every attempt is made to preserve the natural environment on the project, a number of trees needed to be removed to create the new lanes and widen the bridge over the freeway.
“We’ve sent tree logs to elephant enclosures, into lakes and riverways for fish habitats and now they’ve even become artwork through local charity Treasuring Our Trees,” Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director Brendan Pauwels said.
“Sending our removed trees on the Clyde Road Upgrade is part of our environmental responsibility and it’s great to see them used as part of this incredible community-led project.”
Crews will close the Princes Freeway Warragul-bound entry ramp from late July to November as they work to widen the eastern side of the overpass and connect it into the new southbound lanes currently under construction on Clyde Road.
In mid-July, crews will work overnight at Kangan Drive to relocate gas and sewerage utilities in preparation for works to upgrade the intersection later this year.
In mid-August, teams will also work over an entire weekend to remove the existing overpass railings and sections of concrete footpath.
For further information on Treasuring Our Trees, visit their website: treasuringourtrees.org
