The City of Casey is restoring a green corridor along a stretch of the Princes Highway in Berwick, with replanting now underway to bring back shade, biodiversity and a greener streetscape.
In November 2025, Council undertook the necessary removal of 174 pine trees between Wilson Botanic Park and Lyall Road to help stop the spread of Giant Pine Scale (GPS) - a pest that threatens pine trees and the wider environment.
Council is replacing every tree, with 174 new trees to be planted, along with additional understorey and mid-level vegetation to create a greener, healthier and more resilient landscape.
Works are now underway, starting with the planting of 12 feature 'hero' trees. The remaining trees and additional vegetation will be planted progressively to improve shade, biodiversity and overall amenity.
City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen said Council understands how strongly the community feels about trees and green spaces.
"In this case, removal of pine trees was necessary to protect Casey's wider environment. From the start, we committed to replanting, and we're proud to be delivering a greener outcome with even more planting than before," Cr Koomen said.
Reflecting community feedback, the new plantings will include a mix of indigenous and carefully selected exotic species. This will support long-term canopy growth while adding diversity and seasonal interest. Landscaping works will also improve how people use and enjoy the area, with new seating to be installed along the path between Wilson Botanic Park and Lyall Road.
Cr Koomen thanked the community for their patience and understanding during the initial tree removal works.
"We're grateful for the understanding shown by the community during a challenging but necessary process," he said.
"This next stage is about restoring the area, making it even better than before, and ensuring it continues to be a welcoming green space for years to come."
The removed trees were mulched and safely quarantined for six months to prevent further spread of GPS, and that mulch will now be reused in parks across Casey.
The project is part of Council's broader Greening Casey plan, which focuses on growing tree canopy across the municipality through Council, community and developer planting programs.
Over the next two years, Council has committed to planting 25,000 trees and 185,000 shrubs, along with continued advocacy for Green Streets in new residential developments, putting trees first in urban design from the outset.
