Top view of a crop of cones on a Buyna pine in a park in Wagga's CBD.

RIPE FOR REMOVAL: The tops of the Bunya Pines in Collins Park and next the Wollundry Lagoon along The Esplanade are carrying an abundant crop of large cones. Council will be removing the cones on Tuesday and Wednesday, 6 - 7 February, weather permitting.

Parks & Recreation

Big task ahead to remove Bunya Pine cones in CBD

Published: 31 Jan 2024 2:04pm

Access to parts of Collins Park and The Esplanade in Wagga Wagga’s CBD will be restricted for a couple of days next week as Council embarks on an operation to remove the large maturing cones from Bunya Pines in the area.

There are 11 Bunya Pines in Collins Park and one next to the Wollundry Lagoon along the Esplanade, some of which peak at more than 30 metres in height.

Bunya pine trees line either side of path in park in Wagga's CBD. — **MAJESTIC TREES:** Council will be removing the cones on Tuesday and Wednesday, 6 - 7 February.

Team Leader Parks Operations Graeme Clark said the removal of the cones on Tuesday and Wednesday, 6 and 7 February, weather permitting, is part of Council’s general maintenance of the Bunya Pines.

“The cones are generally produced when these culturally significant trees are in season, between December and March, and they attract birds such as sulphur-crested cockatoos who eat the seeds,” Mr Clark said.

“The treetops are currently carrying an abundant crop of maturing cones, which can weigh up to 10 kilograms if left to fully mature - and they're starting to drop to the ground.

“This poses a potential hazard for anyone visiting or passing through the park, so it is better to remove the cones before they fall from the tree.”

Man in hi-vis shirt holding a large Bunya pine cone which had fallen from one of the trees a park in Wagga's CBD. — **POTENTIAL HAZARD:** Team Leader Parks Operations Graeme Clark with one of the large cones which have fallen from the Bunya Pines in Collins Park in recent days.

Council advises members of the community to be aware that work will be undertaken to remove the cones from the Bunya Pines on Tuesday and Wednesday, between 6.30am and 4.30pm, again, weather permitting.

On Tuesday 6 February, a large crane will be used to collect the cones from trees in Collins Park. It will be accessing the trees from Fox Street, affecting parking along the street.

The area will be cordoned off during the operation.

Bus drivers who normally park their vehicles in close proximity to the park and its amenities, are advised to park their buses around the corner from their usual break location.

Red & white tape surrounds a large Bunya pine cone which had fallen from a tree in a park in Wagga's CBD. — **DROP ZONE:** The large cones of the Bunya Pines can weigh up to 10 kilograms if left to fully mature, creating a potential hazard as they fall from the tall trees.

On Wednesday morning, the crane will be set up on The Esplanade, to clear the Bunya Pine cones next to the Wollundry Lagoon.

Motorists are advised the east-bound land between Collins Street and Best Street will be closed while this work is being carried out.

Visitors to Collins Park and people walking/jogging along the path on the northern side of The Esplanade are asked to follow the directions of Council staff carrying out the work.