SA: Researcher says drought is killing Anzac trees

AAP General News (Australia)
04-24-2008
SA: Researcher says drought is killing Anzac trees

ADELAIDE, April 24 AAP - Drought, water restrictions and failing memories are undermining
an Anzac legacy - the loss of thousands of trees planted across Australia to honour those
who served their country.

University of Adelaide researcher and PhD student Sarah Cockerell said several hundred
avenues of honour were planted throughout the country after both world wars

The earliest was at Eurack, in south western Victoria, in 1916.

She said more than half of the avenues still standing were in Victoria but many had
been lost elsewhere because of poor management, urbanisation and natural causes.

"The few that remain in good condition form valuable heritage landscapes, with local
and national significance," Ms Cockerell said.

"The tree is a commonly used symbol of life, as well as the cycle of life, death and renewal.

"Therefore, it's only natural that trees are used as long-lasting memorials."

With the drought and water restrictions now threatening urban trees, Ms Cockerell said
the role of the community was crucial to ensuring the avenues of honour survived as long-lasting
memorials.

"These avenues were almost always planned, organised, paid for and planted by local
community groups," she said.

"They symbolise a community's grief over the losses of war as well as the community's
pride in their people and their town.

"The survival of avenues of honour is very much dependent on the value placed on them
by local community groups, including schools, churches, RSL branches and local councils.

"Whenever community support fades from lack of interest or the fading of community
memory, the trees are in greatest danger."

Ms Cockerell said new generations of Australians also had a role to play in helping
maintain, restore or renew the avenues of honour just as young Australians were helping
to reinvigorate the Anzac Day marches.

AAP tjd/it/bwl

KEYWORD: ANZAC TREES

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