29 replies to this topic

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From news.com.au

THE tree that cost the life of Peter Brock has been cut down to prevent accidents being caused by people stopping on the steep bend to pay tribute.

The 61-year-old motor racing legend was killed on September 8 when he lost control of his car in the Targa West rally on a picturesque rural road at Gidgegannup in the Perth hills.

His high-powered car slammed side-on into the tree, killing him instantly.

Fans have been regularly visiting the battered tree since the accident, leaving floral tributes and cards in memory of the Australian hero.

But their visits have worried the City of Swan which fears accidents might happen due to people stopping, or parking on the narrow gravel verge, near the tree which is on a sharp bend with little visibility.

Other cars coming down the steep hill might not see them stopped on the road, or pulling in or out of the road verge, in time to prevent an accident.

Shire chief executive Mike Foley said the tree was cut down in the interests of road safety, following advice from main roads and police.

"Unfortunately the exact location of the crash is not suitable for a memorial and is unsafe for people to gather or park their cars, as it is on a bend with low visibility," Mr Foley said.

He said the tree was badly damaged in the accident and unlikely to survive.

The tree has been taken to the council depot and a decision on its future will be made at a later date.

Using it as part of a memorial is an option, a shire spokeswoman said.

Gidgegannup residents have said the spot where Brock died was notoriously dangerous and locals were constantly having to pull cars or motor bikes out of the ditch.

[FastEHHolden]

Bits of it had been taken already..it was in a crap spot...I mean if they took it out now..does that mean it should have been gone before the accident?????????

[SamBam]

yeah thats very true, if theres been numerous amounts of accidents that already
happend there, u think the council will do something bout it. but of course since
when does any government or council do anything until someone dies because of
it. those council members should be prosecuted for manslaughter cos they might have
been able to prevent it.
makes u think bout how unjust governments can be.

[Tiny]

Honestly.. why the HELL dont they DO something about it an install an armco barrier on what's obviously a dangerous corner...

Ive never been there.. only seen the photos here and on teh telly.. but sheesh.. cutting down a tree is going to stop others from being killed there.. I'm SURE...

[SamBam]

thats a good idea, even just a plain barricade like they hav everywhere, cant
cost that much, or does it mean the council lose some holiday the taxpayers fork out

[SamBam]

i sorta know what ya mean, but not quite. havent heard that saying before.
im only young n (19) im not as wise as all u guys

(what does that saying mean)

[SamBam]

ah i get it now!! yeah thats a good way to put it.
i reckon if they wanna make a shrine for Peter then they should put the tree
at Mnt Panarrama where he loved doin what he did. make a special area just in
memory of him

[Joshua]

It's still the spot he died, cutting the tree down won't stop people going there because they go there because its where he died not for the tree.

Well thats my opinion atleast, It was a stupid thing to do, but its a bit late now once they've done it.

Edited by Joshua, 12 October 2006 - 08:53 PM.

[tinkers]

They just had it on the news and there is 2 trees cut and all the flowers and memorabilia is gone!

[tinkers]

Did anyone else think revenue raising when they read this bit...

The tree has been taken to the council depot and a decision on its future will be made at a later date.

[racean69]

Sacrilege!

The bloody thing should not have been touched.

Bastards.

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news.com.au have a blog where you can have your say on the tree being cut down.

Should Brocky's tree have been axed? - Have your say

Should the City of Swan have chopped down the Brock tree?

Vote here