Blue Tree Cut for Perth Park Project

0:00On this March 16th in Sydney, here's what is making headlines. A beloved blue tree in Burzwood Park was cut down late last week to clear space for the $217 million Perth Park project. This includes a racetrack and a 12,000-seat amphitheater near Optistatium. Photos from locals show the tree toppled alongside some palm trees as site preparation ramps up for construction later this year. The trees removal happened the same day the Western Australia Planning Commission released a development application for the final part of the project. Early earthworks and site prep started back in February under approvals from the Burzwood Park Board. Local group say Burzwood Park is furious, calling the area a wasteland like in Lord of the Rings. Co-convener Robin Harvey says is the final straw and they're not okay with leaders pushing ahead without full approvals. A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Rita Safiotti says they notified the blue tree project early and plan to replace the tree while keeping its plaque to honor the cause.

1:04Meanwhile the final design is coming in the next few months and a recent review questions if costs will stay at $217.5 million. Public consultation on the latest application is now open. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. Reset Faster Comfort You Can Hear S-O-L-I-S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com