Council will shortly be removing and replacing trees in Bangalow's town centre, as part of the Bangalow Street Tree Succession Plan.
The Liquidambar trees near The Cellar - Bangalow and the Leopard Tree near the Bangalow Post Office will be the first to be removed and replaced with native species. In particular, the Leopard Tree on Byron Street needs to be removed as soon as possible due to a wood fungus infection that could result in the tree falling.
Jim Roberts, Acting Manager Open Spaces and Facilities, said that the main aim of the adopted plan is to stop ongoing damage to buildings and pavement in Bangalow.
"There are several heritage buildings in Bangalow that have already been damaged by tree roots. We are initially replacing three trees with native species planted in dedicated root containment pits. This will stop any ongoing damage, while still providing shade and maintaining Bangalow's leafy character," said Mr Roberts.
"The trees replacing those being removed are Weeping Lilli Pilli on Byron Street and Ivory Curl on Station Street and will be around four metres high when planted. They will grow up to ten metres high eventually," said Mr Roberts.
The Bangalow Street Tree Succession Plan was adopted by Council following community feedback received in 2024.
"Council was hoping to remove and replace trees last year, but we were waiting on the detailed design to be completed. We are confident that stage one of the plan will be completed by June this year," said Mr Roberts.
The next steps of the succession plan will take place over the coming years and includes gradually replacing six other trees in the town centre in two future stages.
"Stage two of the succession plan will occur once the trees that are planted this year are established and have grown to six metres. We are rolling this out in stages so that an element of shade is kept in the main street at all times," said Mr Roberts.
