Tree planting a balancing act at Bulli Park

Wollongong City Council is welcoming community feedback on a tree planting plan that aims to strike a balance between greening and shading the path while maintaining much-loved views.

Under the proposal that’s open for community feedback until 25 March 2024, Council is looking to plant Kauri Pines along the Ursula Road shared path at Bulli Park.

The plantings do not impact the neighbouring sports fields and would provide much-needed shade around the shared path while the chosen tree species would also allow for filtered views of the ocean and escarpment.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said this proposal was in response to earlier feedback from residents during a different consultation. He said it demonstrated Council’s responsiveness to the community and their feedback would feed into the final design.

“When we undertook engagement to build the shared path, 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 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-metres apart. These hardy native evergreens thrive with exposure to salt and wind. Once mature, the trees will provide a shady canopy while allowing for filtered views to the ocean and escarpment.

“By choosing a tree type with clear trunks, 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.”

The below 3D modelling shows what the site would look like when the pines mature at 40 years. Modelling at the time of planting and 20 years growth are available on the webpage.

Cr Bradbery said shade wasn’t the only benefit, either.

“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 continued.

“That said, certain parts of Wollongong have some of the lowest tree canopy cover in the state.

“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. That’s focus of council’s Urban Greening Policy.”

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

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

Full details available at Ursula Road, Bulli Tree Planting