Orange City Council is preparing for the future replacement of the historic Lone Pine, at the corner of Bathurst Road and Lone Pine Avenue.
The tree was left disfigured several years ago after contract tree crews working for the electricity supplier removed large branches. The weight of a heavy snowstorm last year caused further structural damage to the crown of the tree.
Despite Council efforts to reshape the tree and Essential Energy re-locating the overhead power line, it has not recovered its natural shape.
SEEDLING: RSL welcomes plan to replace the historic Lone Pine on the eastern entrance to Orange. (l.to r.) Orange RSL sub-branch president Chris Colvin, branch vice president Brad Bliss, Mayor Jason Hamling and Orange City Council City Presentation Manager, Nigel Hobden.
Orange Mayor Jason Hamling said the Council is now preparing for the future when the tree can be replaced.
"This tree and the story of how it was grown from stock brought back from Gallipoli is an important part of Orange's history," Cr Jason Hamling said. "I'm pleased our parks team has been able to source a number of new plants, and we'll grow those on until they get to a suitable size."
President of the Orange RSL sub-branch Chris Colvin welcomed plans to replace the tree. "Now that the overhead powerline has been moved, the new tree will be able to grow into a good shape, that will last for many years to come," Mr Chris Colvin said.
"The current tree is on its last legs and the Orange RSL sub-branch supports the replacement. When the time comes to remove it, the low wall that surrounds it will be restored, and the new Lone Pine will be in a great setting."
It is anticipated the tree will be replaced in approximately two years' time.
The Orange 'Lone Pine' is a variety known as an Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis). Seven new plants have been bought from a nursery that collects seed from a tree growing in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial, which can be traced back to the original Lone Pine at Gallipoli.
"The new plants are now about 1.2 metres tall. Our parks staff will look after them until they've reached a size where they can be planted," Cr Jason Hamling said.
"As well as a replacement for the damaged Lone Pine, we'll look to plant the new trees in the Botanic Gardens, at the cemetery and perhaps near the cenotaph in Robertson Park."
