The Cape Lilacs have served Tree Streets well for decades, but they’ve reached the end of their viable lifespan. Today, we’re guided by current climate science, local conditions, and species longevity to ensure a safe and sustainable streetscape. Certified arborist assessments have identified significant concerns with the existing Cape Lilacs, including:

• Structural decline with weakened limbs and trunks
• Disease and decay compromising tree stability
• Age-related deterioration (typical lifespan reached)
• Increasing risk to people and safety

At the same time, many residents have reported ongoing issues with root damage to infrastructure, paths, and foundations, as well as high maintenance burden.

Inspections have revealed issues such as limb failures, trunk decay, and declining canopy health. Proactive replacement is necessary to:

• Prevent property damage and personal injury from failing trees
• Maintain continuous canopy cover and environmental benefits
• Preserve the aesthetic character and green infrastructure of our neighbourhood

The removals are about safety, sustainability, and ensuring our streets remain green and vibrant for years to come.

We understand residents may have different perspectives on individual trees. All removal decisions are based on certified arborist assessments following Australian Standards for tree condition evaluation.

What guides our decisions:

• Measurable structural defects (decay, cracks, root damage) 
• Safety risk to people and property 
• Current condition vs. expected decline timeline 
• Professional arborist standards, not subjective opinion

We’re committed to transparency. If you’d like to understand why a specific tree is scheduled for removal, please reach out.

Please note, we can’t make exceptions based on personal attachment or appearance alone if genuine safety concerns exist, but we welcome questions and will explain our reasoning.

Removed trees are mulched and recycled where possible, with timber made available to community groups or wood turners.

We chose Agonis flexuosa (WA Peppermint Tree) and Corymbia ficifolia (Flowering Gum) for three main reasons:

1. Perfect for Verge Planting
   Both species have growth habits that suit verge environments. They provide shade, enhance the streetscape, and pose minimal risk to infrastructure.
2. Native to the South West
   These trees are endemic to our region, making them well adapted to local conditions. Planting native species supports biodiversity and aligns with community expectations.
3. Food Source for Cockatoos
   Like the existing Cape Lilacs, These species provide valuable food and habitat for Carnaby, Baudin and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, a key consideration for residents who value supporting local wildlife.

About the Trees:

• Agonis flexuosa (WA Peppermint Tree)
  A medium sized evergreen tree (7 - 10m high and 5 - 10m wide) with a weeping form and white tea tree like flowers. It provides shade and serves as a habitat and food source for birds and possums.
• Corymbia ficifolia (Flowering Gum)
  A small to medium ornamental tree (6 - 15m high and 5 - 10m wide) with stunning summer flowers in shades of red, pink, and orange. It thrives in sunny to partly shaded areas and attracts native birds.

In summary, these species were chosen to balance aesthetic appeal, environmental suitability, and community priorities for supporting local wildlife.

A draft replacement program has been prepared by our landscape architect, which includes indicative locations for the new trees. The plan is to alternate between the two selected species, Agonis flexuosa (WA Peppermint Tree) and Corymbia ficifolia (Flowering Gum), and add extra trees where conditions allow. While the program provides a guide, adjustments may be needed depending on ground conditions.

Both species are suitable for Tree Streets, and our landscape architect has prepared a plan that alternates between them to create visual interest and biodiversity.

• In most locations, either species will work, and we’ll follow the planned pattern
• Where specific site conditions favour one species over the other (soil type, space, sun exposure), we’ll use the most suitable option
• If you have a strong preference and both species suit your location, we’re happy to discuss – contact Elora Terrantroy to talk through your options

What we can’t do:

• Plant species outside the two selected (they’ve been chosen through rigorous assessment for this specific environment)
• Guarantee a specific species if site conditions don’t suit it

Our goal is a balanced, diverse streetscape using the best species for your area. We’ll work with you where we can while maintaining the overall program integrity.

The City will water and maintain all new plantings for the first 12 months minimum to ensure healthy establishment. After the establishment period, trees will transition to the City’s standard street tree maintenance program.

The five year replacement program was prioritised based on the level of decline in existing trees. We are taking a staged approach to ensure the street is never left bare. Trees will be carefully removed and immediately replaced, maintaining continuous canopy cover and minimising visual impact.

In the first two years, we will focus on trees with immediate health concerns. Years three and four will target trees showing moderate decline, and in the final year, we will replace trees with early signs of decline. This approach allows residents to see new trees establish and grow while mature trees remain, creating a smooth and sustainable transition.

In the event of unexpected rapid decline of a particular tree, early removal may be required for safety reasons. If this occurs, the tree will be replaced promptly to maintain canopy cover and the affected resident will be contacted.

We estimate the first year of replacements will commence in April 2026, and over the 5-year program, you’ll receive individual notification before any work occurs near your property, including details about timing and what to expect.

Tree removals are quick and will not take long per tree. Our arborists will be mindful of residents’ access and egress needs and can make adjustments where possible to minimise inconvenience. If you have specific concerns about timing, please contact us so we can work with you to accommodate your needs. Our goal is to keep disruption minimal while maintaining canopy cover and ensuring safety.

We’ll notify you 2 to 4 weeks before work is scheduled near your property. If the timing creates significant hardship (e.g. you have a major event planned, mobility access needs etc.) please contact us immediately.

While we can’t always accommodate every request due to seasonal planting windows and contractor scheduling, we’ll work with you where possible to minimise disruption.

Most tree removals and plantings take one to two days per tree, with minimal impact on daily life. Our contractors will ensure vehicle access is maintained and will clean up thoroughly. If you have specific concerns, contact Elora Terrantroy as soon as you receive notification.

This program is managed by the City of Bunbury’s Parks and Reserves team. Please contact Elora Terrantroy, the City’s Tree Officer Parks and Reserves on (08) 9792 7000 or via info@bunbury.wa.gov.au for any questions.

Elora is here to answer questions, address concerns, discuss specific trees, and guide you through the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’d rather answer questions early than have you worry unnecessarily.

No, there will be no additional costs for ratepayers. The project is fully funded within the City’s existing budget as part of our commitment to maintaining Bunbury’s green infrastructure.

The staged approach specifically protects wildlife habitat:

• Mature trees remain throughout the five-year program, maintaining nesting and feeding sites
• New native species provide food sources (nectar, seeds) for birds, possums, and insects
• Both replacement species support Carnaby, Baudin and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos
• The mix of mature and establishing trees creates age diversity beneficial to wildlife

We’re actually enhancing habitat value by moving to native species that have co-evolved with local wildlife, rather than exotic Cape Lilacs.

We encourage all interested residents to join us at Garvey Park for an informal chat with our team and get any questions answered:

• Wednesday, 28 January from 3.30pm to 6.00pm, and on
• Thursday, 29 January from 7.00am to 9.30am