Laman Street Figs

Newcastle's iconic Laman Street figs have been slated for removal after being deemed, but not proven, unsafe. A redevelopment proposal for Laman Street has been revealed that coincidently would require removal of these trees. However these magnificent figs have stood through gale force winds and survived intact, and independent experts in arboriculture and risk management analysis have disagreed with the City's position that the trees are unsafe. Thus far, the City has chosen not to accept those opposing opinions and some in government have gone so far as to publicly criticize the fig supporters, calling them ratbags, loonies, and worse. This video is to honor the ratbags and loonies who have the courage and commitment to speak up against the worst vandalism imaginable on a rare natural treasure. With hope, their voices of reason will be heard.

For more information, please visit the Save the Laman St. Figs page on FaceBook:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/131459163562509/

And the Save Our Figs and Other Trees in Newcastle Blog:

http://saveourfigs.wordpress.com/

Portrait shots: Courtesy of Debbi Long
Night Shots: Courtesy of Stephen Fewson

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Laman Street
• Figs
• Newcastle
• Flora
• Fauna
• Heritage
• Trees

[scottcooperjohnston]

Nice work ArchitectGJA. We have sure made this into something big! 

[ArchitectGJA]

@scottcooperjohnston Do you have another in the works Scott? Anxious to view when you do. Cheers.

[savingourtrees]

Beautiful video. One of the first ways to put down a peoples opposition movement is to label the protestors 'ratbags & loonies.' In other words, take no notice of them or their issue. You have managed to capture the reality, that the people who are trying to save Newcastle's Laman Street Fig trees are ordinary people who have taken the trouble to peacefully fight to save something they believe is extraordinary.

[ArchitectGJA]

@savingourtrees Spot on, Saving Our Trees, and thank you.

[belsony]

We are fighting the good fight! Thank you!

[ArchitectGJA]

@belsony Thank you back - every effort is well appreciated

[retreat321]

Awesome video, thanks for the effort, you have truly captured the community love for our figs.

[KCJohnston1]

@ArchitectGJA - Oh and of course there is the short but moving movie here ... 'Lord Mayor John Tate Speaks at Laman Street'.

[KCJohnston1]

@ArchitectGJA - Hi this is Scott's wife Karen, I just posted something short this morning 'Laman Street Protest Movie Addendum' - I haven't had much time to do more - but with all the raw footage we have I hope someone helps us make a full length documentary one day soon.

I agree that what you have made is very powerful and shows this is a protest by ordinary citizens of Newcastle and not a hard core activist group.

[gmdss3]

Superb photography and a well crafted compilation. Thankyou.

[VintageFabricAddict]

I am so proud of these people! We all should be, it's fantastic that we have kept the chainsaws at bay for so long. three cheers for SOF!!