Paws for Pines | Cromwell Dogs
The Simple Version
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Council plans to fell the Sandflat Road pines
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This removes the majority of Cromwell’s dog exercise space
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No confirmed replacement exists
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The community has requested a pause to review new evidence
The Timeline
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Nov 2025 → Decision recommended
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Nov 2025 → Confirmed
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Feb 2026 → Petition + community response
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March 2026 → Independent arborist report
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March 2026 → Decision upheld
What the Expert Arborist Report Found
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Trees are structurally sound
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No disease
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No urgent safety risk
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Maintenance recommended instead of removal
What Council Has Stated
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Trees are a commercial forestry block reaching maturity
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Harvesting both blocks is more cost-effective
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Future land use is still being explored
Community Impact: Conflict
Forcing hundreds of dogs into a single, small space beside a busy road, cycle path and playground creates a high-risk environment, increasing the likelihood of conflict between dogs, cyclists, children, neighbours and the wider community.
Community Impact: Loss of Shade
Loss one of the only shady spaces usable in extreme heat/sunshine is a health and safety concern from The Cancer Society.
Community Impact: Mental Wellbeing
Impact on everyday routines for hundreds of locals who have walked their with and without their dogs for up to 40 years
What we are questioning as a community
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Initial concern was safety → now framed as cost
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No confirmed plan for the land after removal
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No clear economic value placed on current use
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Decision appears made before full consultation
What we are asking for
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Pause the felling
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Review all evidence
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Include community input
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Create a plan before removal