STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICIAL SECRETARY
11 December 2009
TREE REMOVAL AT ADMIRALTY HOUSE
The Secretary Official to the Governor-General, Mr Stephen Brady, said today that
media reports concerning the removal of trees at Admiralty House in Sydney were
incorrect.
Mr Brady said two coral
trees
were removed from the foreshore
area of
the marine
barracks yesterday – such trees are being removed widely by National Parks and city
councils for environmental reasons.
“The trees
were not only an invasive species, but their root
systems had caused
serious damage to
the Admiralty House sea wall and marine barracks forecourt area
and required removal,” Mr Brady said.
“The sea wall is part of the heritage
listed Admiralty House precinct, and undergoes
regular repairs to prevent it disintegrating into the harbour. Any suggestion that trees
were removed to provide a better view of the harbour is nonsense,” Mr Brady said.
"The suggestion that the trees were removed for a New Year's Eve function by the Governor-
General is false."
This work was done as part of the 5-year Landscape Management Plan for the
property and a native revegetation program is now underway in that location.
Media Contact:
Niree Creed
Senior Communications and Media Adviser
Ph: 02 62833519
Mob: 0418625595
Government House
Canberra
NEWS 
