THE walker who was almost hit by a fallen branch in Rosalind Park has described the "thunderous crack" that sounded out moments before it fell.
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Roxanne Tonziny was walking through the park with four children and another adult on Wednesday morning when the branch fell from an elm tree overhanging a footpath.
She said the children were far enough ahead that it comfortably missed them.
"They were on their scooters and bike and were a bit further up the path," Ms Tonziny said.
"I heard a thunderous crack and moved as fast as I could to get out of the way.
"It freaked us out a bit, but it won't stop us from walking through the park at all."
The branch fell from the top of an elm tree about 100 metres from the site where a young girl was killed by a branch in December 2013.
Ms Tonziny said it could have happened to anyone and the council was not to blame.
A witness to the incident said the speed and size of the branch could have been lethal.
"This branch fell from a good height, almost the top of the tree and if it hit one of those children passing at the time it would have resulted in another tragic incident," he said.
The branch fell from an elm tree estimated to be more than 100 years old.
City of Greater Bendigo manager of parks and natural reserves Simon Harrison said the inspection and maintenance program of Rosalind Park's trees exceeded Australian standards.
"We inspect the trees three times per year at a minimum," he said.
"If the damage to the tree is internal, then it can be very difficult to determine.
"The trees are natural assets and at times they are going to drop limbs at unpredictable times."
The branch was taken away to be inspected.
Mr Harrison said the council had received very positive feedback about its tree inspection program following the incident in December 2013, and the trees had avoided the deadly elm leaf beetle.