THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is deliberating over the future of historic golden cypress trees in Werribee following a six-hour hearing last Tuesday.
Protesters met representatives from Wyndham City Council to put their case for preserving the trees.
The council approved removing nine of the Princes Freeway trees, estimated to be about 60 years old, after a limb from one fell on a fence in 2004.
But the protesters say the trees form a historic gateway to Werribee and can live decades longer if properly cared for.
The council originally called for 16 of the trees to be chopped down.
However, following several arborists’ reports and strong community protest, the number was reduced to nine.
