More about the tree

I have decided not to cut down my frontyard pine tree. The offer was to pay for cutting it down and replace it with a suitable tree in an advanced state of growth (you can buy them at about 3 metres tall). The pine is not an Australian native and everyone knows that pine needles can be a pain. So whilst it was a difficult request to deal with it was put in the most attractive way by the new owner. It was still a hard decision as I have lived with that tree for more than 20 years and it is much older than that. When you buy a house it takes years to get to know not just the house and its foibles but also the garden if you are lucky enough to inherit one. And the seasons, and the birds and other wildlife (which unfortunately includes rats).
In recent years I have seen the suburb change, as you do. Houses have been bulldozed to make way for flats/units, some of which are 2 storey. In the process trees and shrubs have also been cleared. There is a vacant block up the road that has a beautiful old gum at the front. It cannot be removed because it is 'significant' - that is, the trunk 1 metre above ground is 2 metres in girth or more. I am wondering if it will survive the building process and how much it will be respected. Some of the work is pretty rough on the surrounds whether intentional or just the outcome of big machines.
We all live in changing times and suburbs, and many want both worlds - a nice environment but one that doesn't impinge on their lifestyles (in the form of having to pick up leaves, trim branches and the other inconveniences of nature). We are all so busy that the old ways, when home owners used to enjoy doing things around their property on the weekends and saw it as part of their role, are dying. Now we want patios and home entertainment that is more clinical, and doesn't rely on nature for comfort. (My pine tree provides valuable shade in summer as I don't have air conditioning. This is 'significant' - last year we had 10 days of over 40 degrees centigrade heat.) However, one day this conflict between lifestyle and the environment will have to change. It may be too late by the time it happens, that is my concern.