Members of the community recently expressed concern about the removal of trees on the Facebook page, 'Thumbs Up Manning Valley' and the comments were the catalyst for Greater Taree City councillor Brad Christensen to provide advice that the work was done to ensure the airport complied with CASA regulations.

Cr Christensen expressed concern in his comments about the perception of council in relation to the issue of tree removal in the local government area.

"... we as council don't have a choice. Along with a lot of works we have to do in regards to regulations they are set by the states or authorities and we must carry out the works," Cr Christensen said.

"This is just another example where council gets a bagging from the community but at the end of the day they do not have a choice."

Council's team leader property and procurement, Dan Aldridge also advised that about 50 trees had been removed and an area of land about 600 square metres was cleared adjacent to the runway.

"Council must comply with CASA's Obstacle Limitation Survey and the trees that have been removed penetrated through the limitation set in the survey," Mr Aldridge explained.

"It is a requirement of CASA if we are to ensure that our airport is fully compliant and we have been trying to get the works done for about eight months but weather conditions have not been favourable. Some of the areas we have had to work in are quite swampy.

"The trees were located on private land, council land and Crown Land and council notified all owners.

"The smaller trees have been mulched and kept for use on council median strips - nothing is wasted."

ainslee.dennis@fairfaxmedia.com.au