Will any trees or gardens be removed for the installation of the playground?

    The new playground will affect some trees and vegetation.  Council is working to transplant vegetation where possible and preserve large or significant trees such as memorial plantings.

    Why are Council planning to remove the date palms from the reserve?

    As part of Council’s ongoing management of public trees, these trees have been earmarked for removal to allow for the future health of planting in the location where the playground was.  Canary Island Palms are hosts for a disease which is caused by a fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) and commonly decline in health over time.  A palm tree that has begun to decline can become an imminent threat through the shedding of leaves, fruit, branches and bark and a dying palm can be a problem for the local ecosystem too. Not only is the palm tree redirecting valuable moisture and nutrients in the soil that could be used for healthy plants and trees, but a dying tree can become a hotspot for rodents, disease and infestations.