Sweet Pittosporum

I objected to the council being granted a permit to remove ALL sweet pittosporums from the roadsides a couple of months back. A letter came from the Planning Section of the Cardinia Shire Council last week, saying,

"Your objection to the above planning permit has been considered under delegation and I wish to advise that a Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit has been issued, a copy of which is attached. Your attention is drawn to the appeal provisions on the back of the Notice, in particular:

1. The applicant may seek a review of any condition in the Notice within 60 days of the date of issue.

2.You may seek a review of the decision to grant a permit, or the the proposed condition of the permit, within 21 days of the issue.

Information about Applications for Review may be obtained from the Cictorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, ( address and phone mumber)."

So I've got 21 days from 17 Mar to lodge an application for review with VCAT. I rang them, I have to pay $283.20 and submit the application form and then, once a hearing date is set, I have to attend on the day. I don't think I'm in a position to do this, especially as it would probably be a waste of time and money, but I asked them to send me an application form.
I'll make a stategic withdrawal, probably, and try and think of a plan B. Maybe write to the CEO and the councillors suggesting the council is making a grave error to attack this drought hardy, native tree following twelve years of below average rainfall. We should be grateful for its ability to provide cover for the earth, food and shelter for birds, animals and insects, as well as pump oxygen into the atmosphere while sucking carbon out of it, in this era of critical climate change. The trouble is it's one of the councillors who is driving the whole thing.