Council wants your views on plans to plant pines to line Bulli pathway

An example of an avenue of mature kauri pines in Sydney’s Centennial Park. The plans for the Bulli Park planting have planting on one side of the pathway. Photo: Wollongong City Council.

Wollongong City Council is asking the community for feedback on plans to plant 27 pine trees along a shared pathway at Bulli.

Council has chosen kauri pines, hardy native evergreens, to provide shade along the path while still allowing “filtered” views of the ocean and escarpment for nearby residents.

Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the proposal was in response to earlier feedback from residents during consultation on the Ursula Road shared path at Bulli Park.

“The community told us they wanted trees to soften, shade and green the new infrastructure,” he said.

“We know a shaded path is up to 10 degrees [Celsius] cooler and this stretch of path, which gets particularly hot on summer afternoons, forms a key transport link for kids at three adjacent schools.

“After careful consideration, we are proposing a row of 27 kauri pines spaced 15 m apart. Once mature, the trees will provide a shady canopy while allowing for filtered views to the ocean and escarpment.

“By spacing them widely and starting further east than originally proposed, we believe we have balanced broader community benefits of having trees and changes to views that some residents will experience.”

Cr Bradbery said certain parts of Wollongong had some of the lowest tree canopy cover in the state.

“Trees play an important role in our city – they cool our suburbs, reduce pollution, manage stormwater, make our natural areas beautiful, and provide food and shelter for native birds and animals,” he said.

“As the impacts of extreme weather continue, planting more trees and plants is something simple we can all do to help create a better future.”

Local schools will be invited to create artworks and poems to be displayed on the temporary tree guards.

Planting is proposed between May and October, pending weather conditions and stock availability.

Feedback on the proposal closes on Monday (25 March). Click here for more information and to make a submission.