Merri-bek and Stonnington councils have removed trees and vegetation at the behest of Australia Post to make room on footpaths for its new fleet of three-wheeled electric delivery vehicles.
Merri-bek, Darebin and Stonnington councils removed tree branches along footpaths in response to Australia Post rolling out 500 electric trikes, replacing the old motorbikes, in Victoria in May. “It’s important we have clear access to properties so we can keep delivering our customers’ letters and parcels efficiently and ensure a safe working environment for our team members,” he said.Credit:In a letter sent to a Coburg resident, Australia Post requested the removal of overhanging tree branches and bushes from the person’s home.
On the same Coburg street, residents said the Merri-bek council chopped down the “nicest tree in the street”, leaving only a stump. Coburg resident Jules Thomson-Martin said Australia Post’s trikes were more like tuk-tuks than bikes and did not belong on footpaths. In Melbourne’s south-east, the City of Stonnington said it had received more requests from Australia Post than normal over the past two years to cut back vegetation to accommodate its new vehicles.The battle over Melbourne’s footpaths is likely to intensify as Australians continue their online shopping habits, buying $62.3 billion of goods online in 2021, according to Australia Post.