Bayside Council is planning to remove 6 dead or dying Norfolk Pine trees along Cook Park and the Grand Parade that pose a potential risk to park users and road traffic.
This includes some trees poisoned in January 2025 that were being closely monitored in an attempt to save them.
Council needs to obtain a Road Occupancy Licence and approval from Transport for NSW, Sydney Airport, and Port Authority before the trees can be removed as they are located near a high-traffic road and Sydney Airport
Norfolk Island pine trees have lined the Grand Parade and Cook Park since 1890, and some are now heritage listed under the Bayside Local Environmental Plan 2021.
Given replacement and replanting over the years, determining the exact planting dates for these pine trees is challenging. However, it is confirmed that several specimens are approximately 100 years old.
An arborist's report in 2022 concluded most of the trees along the Grand Parade are healthy and structurally sound. The report recommended further testing and inspection for eighty-eight trees that are being closely monitored.
Replacement plantings are undertaken to maintain the landscape and ensure no net loss of our valuable tree canopy cover over time.
Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall said:
"It is sad to see these trees go, but Council has a duty to ensure the safety of park users and motorists. Replacement trees will be planted in line with Council's tree replacement policy to ensure these majestic trees continue to be a part of our iconic foreshore."
