Stop Yarra Council Chopping Down Our Elms

This Petition closed on 14th December 2025. The results are published below.

     Yarra City Council has voted to cut down three of our elms and put a fourth at risk of dying due to root disturbance. They have decided to sacrifice these elms for the sake of two new tennis courts.

     Our cities need more trees, not fewer. Our three elms are always cleaning our air, providing homes for insects, birds, bats and possums, and beauty and shade for us.

     These elms are each 140 years old with an average life span of 300 years. They have seen so much of our history and should be allowed to go on to outlive us all. 

    Contrary to council’s claims, our independent arborist says these three trees are healthy and set to live for many decades to come.

    Thousands of people use the park compared to the small number who use the courts. It is therefore unfair to privilege the tennis club over the park users who come to the park to enjoy the trees and green spaces.

We will present the results of this survey to:

Yarra City Council

     Melbourne's large elm population is highly significant due to the fact Dutch elm disease wiped out a huge number and variety of elm species in Europe. Our elms  are precious not only to us but to the whole world.