Problem trees to be removed
Published on 08 August 2025
Four plane trees, two in the Hamilton CBD and two in Coleraine, will be removed in the coming weeks following detailed arborists investigations.
The four problematic street trees, at 99 Thompson Street and 70 Brown Street in Hamilton and two in Whyte Street Coleraine, were recently subject to non-destructive root investigations using hydro-excavation techniques. This process exposed the root systems beneath footpath and kerb and channel, revealing significant structural root mass and complex root entanglements.
The arborist found the tree at 99 Thompson Street presents a particularly large and intertwined root system. Any attempt to reinstate surrounding infrastructure would require extensive root severance, compromising the tree’s health and stability, and posing serious risk to nearby buildings and pedestrians.
Similar conditions were found at 70 Brown Street and the two trees in Whyte Street, Coleraine, where root growth has significantly impacted surrounding infrastructure.
In Coleraine, concerns raised by the Coleraine Community Development Association and local businesses have highlighted safety and accessibility issues with these particular trees, prompting further investigation and consultation.
Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Dennis Heslin said that the time has come to make a decision on these problematic trees.
“The kerb and channel at these locations has had to be replaced on multiple occasions already and every time we do this work, it costs ratepayers a significant amount.
“While the arborist report recommends root management and infrastructure redesign once again, to meet the Infrastructure Design Manual standards which we have to comply with, substantial root pruning must occur, which will critically undermine the structural integrity of the tree.
“If we were to redesign the kerb and channel around the tree root zone, we would significantly impact the traffic flow in major thoroughfares in our CBD.
“For these reasons, Council has made the call to remove these trees. This decision ensures the safety of our community and allows for the reinstatement of compliant stormwater, footpath, and road infrastructure,” Cr Heslin said.
Tree removal works will occur over the coming weeks and will be done with minimal disruption to trading and traffic.
Council remains committed to balancing urban greening with infrastructure safety and functionality. As per the Council resolution at the April 2025 meeting, the architects for the Hamilton CBD revitalisation project are currently preparing design options that include the retention of all but the most problematic plane trees in Gray Street. These designs will be presented to a future Council meeting. Alongside these designs, Council has also requested a strategy for the removal of the most problematic trees only and suggested replacement species for consideration. A Project Advisory Group, made up of community and business representatives, is being established to guide Council and provide feedback throughout this phase of the CBD revitalisation project.
Council welcomes people to head to Thompson and Brown Streets to view the trees before their removal, to gain a more fulsome understanding of the root systems of the plane trees.
“These trees still currently have their root systems exposed. I invite any interested community members to visit these trees over the next week and view just how complex the root systems are and how they are impacting on the infrastructure around them.
“I hope those that do will be able to better understand why we’ve had to come to this decision”, concluded Cr Heslin.
The arborist report is available to view on Council’s website at Public Documents Southern Grampians Shire Council.