Port Macquarie Hastings Council will undertake public safety work at Town Green on Monday, 24 August, to remove a Norfolk Island Pine which has deteriorated to the point it now presents a potential risk to public safety.
Despite ongoing monitoring over several years, arboriculture assessments have confirmed the tree's health has continued to decline to the point where mitigation measures are no longer considered appropriate or effective to manage the risk.
Removal is therefore necessary to ensure the ongoing safety of the community. Works will take place between 6:30am and 4:30pm, with exclusion zones established around the work area while a specialist contractor undertakes the removal.
"Council recognises the important role mature trees play in the character of the region and does not make decisions to remove established trees lightly," Group Manager of Infrastructure and Recreation Operations Damien Taylor said.
"The preference is always to retain trees wherever it is safe and practical to do so, using appropriate arboriculture management and mitigation measures to extend their life wherever possible."
This approach was demonstrated following the February 2023 storm event in the Port Macquarie CBD, when the Town Green fig tree sustained extensive damage.
Rather than remove the tree, Council engaged specialist arborists and undertook a range of remediation and support measures to retain the tree and preserve its canopy.
Unfortunately, the Norfolk Pine is in a very different condition. Following removal of the tree, the site will be remediated with soil preparation and the laying of new turf.
Members of the public are asked to observe all signage, follow the directions of workers on site and avoid entering exclusion zones while the works are underway.
