Save trees, feds urged

A SMALL stand of sugar gums and pines at Lara need heritage protection to safeguard their role as the earliest known trees honouring Geelong World War I soldiers, Corio MP Richard Marles has told federal parliament.
The trees were planted in the winter of 1918, three months before the armistice, to mark the efforts of soldiers still fighting in the war.
The war savaged the Lara farming district, taking in also Little River, Anakie, Staughton Vale and Avalon, killing 23 of 101 volunteer servicemen.
The trees were intended as beacons of hope rather than memorials and as a welcome for soldiers yet to return home.
They were planted at the town’s reserve where memorial gates were erected a decade later.
Around 150 sugar gums and 40 to 50 pines were planted, with a handful still standing.
“It would be wonderful to see heritage protection for these trees and gates so they remain a permanent reminder of what the community endured and families sacrificed,” Mr Marles said.
“I know the RSL would love to see memorial plaques installed in or near the sugar gums to help people understand their historical significance.”