Perth activist chains himself to century-old tree as protesters stop bulldozers [Video]

Dozens of protesters have temporarily stopped plans to bulldoze century-old trees in Perth’s inner-north.

One activist even chained himself to the branches, as the mayor slammed the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage over the proposed Mount Lawley housing development.

The department says the trees in question have to go because they’re infected with asbestos but the protesters want more community consultation.

Residents today turned up in numbers to the vacant land along Guildford Road and East Parade, which is slated for a social and affordable housing development.

They’re upset with plans to cut down 10 mature-age trees, some more than 100 years old.

“We’re not trying to be deliberately obstructive, but we feel that we’re not being listened to,” fellow protester Caroline Cohen said.

The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage says the trees are contaminated with asbestos. 

An environmental sites expert and an …