Civic Theatre plane tree to be removed due to safety concerns

23 September 2015

For immediate release

Civic Theatre plane tree to be removed due to safety concerns

It’s seen countless plays, productions, musicals and more but the final curtain call has come for a beloved member of the Civic Theatre team.

The large plane tree next to the theatre will be removed on Tuesday 6 October due to safety concerns.

A large crack has developed in the base of the more than 50-year-old tree, with an independent assessment discovering the cavity extended almost to ground level.

Council’s Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes said staff have fenced off the area ahead of the tree’s removal.

“This tree has looked over the Civic Theatre since it was constructed in 1963, watching it develop into one of the best theatres in regional NSW,” she said.

“Unfortunately the tree has become a safety concern and has to be removed.”

The tree is estimated to be about 24 metres high, with the canopy spreading 10 to 12 metres wide. While its exact age isn’t known, pictures from the early years of the Civic Theatre show the tree is well established.

A semi-mature plane tree will be planted as a replacement, slightly further north of the existing tree.

“Trees are an extremely important part of our community,” Ms Summerhayes said.

“They add to the liveability of our city and provide a green corridor for local birds and wildlife.

“Council staff have organised a replacement tree, which will already be two to three metres high.”

Work is expected to start on Tuesday 6 October, weather permitting.

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Contact Josh Lang 6926 9190/0437 385 892 or media@wagga.nsw.gov.au or follow us on Twitter - @WaggaCouncil