Save Our Figs spokeswoman Fee Mozeley: ‘‘We were on high alert given the new year period had ended, but what was so disturbing [was] the way they’ve snuck in and kept this secret and that they require this number of police to implement a council resolution. All of that itself screams that there’s an issue with the resolution and that it has to be looked at again.’’

Newcastle City Council general manager Phil Pearce: ‘‘I believe the early start was the best way to address safety and security concerns relating to potential protest activity. Work to remove the figs is going to schedule, with contractors making good progress. It is hoped that the bulk of the works will be completed by Friday, but clearing the area so it can be opened to the public will take up to two weeks.’’

Newcastle police acting local area commander Trevor Shiels: ‘‘Our role is ... to support council’s felling operations in there and maintain not only the security of the site but the safety of the site, and in that preserving the public’s right to protest and ensure they can do so in a safe manner. [Police] don’t wish to take action against any individual and they don’t want to make any arrests unless it’s necessary, but on that note I assure people that action will be taken where it’s required.’’

Newcastle City Council director liveable city Frank Cordingley: ‘‘We request that members of the public respect the exclusion zone and any directions given to them. The trees will generally be removed one at a time and the whole process should take about two weeks.’’

Labor councillor Nuatali Nelmes: ‘‘We won’t just sign a rescission motion that will lead us back here in two weeks’ time. This current outrageous cost of this situation is just the tip of the iceberg. Rehabilitation of that tiny area will be close to $2million. These trees are not an immediate danger. This money should be spent on our tired assets around the city and much needed footpaths in the west.’’