The Moreton Bay fig trees on Raglan Parade will be removed later in October to improve safety and accessibility. 

The trees are located in the centre median of Raglan Parade at the Banyan Street intersection, and are the western-most of an avenue of fig trees.

Council’s city infrastructure director Scott Cavanagh said the intersection had the highest rate of collisions in Warrnambool.

He said removing the trees was a decision that had not been taken lightly.

“While an unfortunate outcome, the removal of these two trees will improve the visual appearance of the avenue, improve traffic sight lines, and allow for footpath replacement and landscaping works at the intersection,” he said.

“The removal of the two trees in question will improve visibility for southbound traffic on Banyan Street as well as sight-lines to the traffic lights for west-bound turning traffic on Raglan Parade.”

Mr Cavanagh said the trees were also too close to power lines and roots were causing issues underground to essential services.

“Pruning and lopping has been necessary in order to maintain a safe distance, and this has had an effect on the health and appearance of both trees,” he said.

“The trees also present problems for the underground services in the area. The root system of the trees has caused significant damage to the existing footpath. VicRoads has agreed to install a new 1.5 metre wide concrete footpath, which will make this important entry route to the city easier for all pedestrians to use. 

“By removing these two specimens, the adjacent trees will have more room to spread out. This means that the overall canopy of this National Trust listed avenue of trees will be the same, and the overall appearance of the boulevard will be improved.

“The Triton Woodworkers were consulted to see if any of the timber could be re-used, however council was advised that it was not suitable for woodworking.”

Local contractor Carter’s Tree Services has been appointed to complete the works, which are scheduled to be carried out from October 20-21.