Removal of pine trees at Koolunga Native Reserve
This month work will start to remove 14 pine trees from Koolunga Native Reserve in Ferntree Gully.
The staged removal of further pine trees has been put on hold until the affected area is rehabilitated, and new native plants have had a chance to become well-established.
A decision will be made by 2028 on any further pine tree removal and the staging and timing of these works.
Why are the pine trees being removed?
The trees are being removed because the toxins in their needles prevent other trees and plants from growing.
Pine trees are not native and are classified as an environmental weed. An Environmental Significance Overlay requires us to remove environmental weeds in the Reserve. One tree (circled in red on the map) has also been assessed as structurally unsafe.
Gradually removing some of the pines will make room for native trees and plants to flourish. Over time this will create important habitat for wildlife and shade for visitors.
Removing the pine trees was identified as an action in the Koolunga Native Reserve Future Direction Plan developed in consultation with the community and adopted in 2023.
This plan outlines how we will enhance biodiversity and ensure the reserve’s long-term sustainability. This includes more planting, managing stormwater to improve water quality, and upgrading paths, seating, and signs to provide more information about the reserve's unique attributes.
Access during the works
The reserve will remain open during the works, but some areas may be temporarily fenced off.
Some minor temporary disruptions may occur due to machinery on-site. This will be limited to operating between 7 am and 5 pm.
Access and parking around the reserve will not be affected.
Works are taking place during warmer weather to avoid delays due to rain and reduce damage from heavy machinery on wet ground.
Once the work is complete all areas will continue to offer the same opportunities to explore and enjoy the bushland, waterway, walking track, and open space.
Map of Koolunga Native Reserve
14 trees will be removed in total. 1 tree (circled in red) will be removed due to safety concerns.
About Koolunga Native Reserve
Koolunga Native Reserve is a 6-hectare park in Ferntree Gully. It was once part of the Chandler Boronia and Daffodil Farm, which operated from 1898 to 1971. The reserve was acquired by Knox City Council in the early 1960s and opened to the public in 1967.
Koolunga is highly regarded as a place to exercise, connect with others, and enjoy the natural environment. Large sections of the reserve are set aside for conservation, protecting important natural areas where parts of the original ecosystem have been preserved and restored.
Parts of the reserve are recognised as having national biological significance due to the presence of critically endangered flora and regionally important habitat. It is also locally significant because of its position within the local habitat corridor.
Koolunga also features an open waterway that flows into Blind Creek and boasts two kilometers of walking tracks and a large open space for dog walking and passive recreation.
Further information
See the Future Directions Plan.
For queries about the pine tree removal and revegetation works, please contact our team:
For removal works:
Sam Jones
Coordinator Urban Forest and City Presentation
9298 8430
[email protected]
For revegetation works:
Nadine Gaskell
Coordinator Biodiversity
9298 8579
[email protected]
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