Update

In April 2019, Council undertook community consultation on restoration works proposed at the Bronte Cutting after a fire in September 2018. Following consultation, the proposed plans were amended include planting additional trees, and to carry out the works over a number of stages.

The restoration works are expected to begin in August 2019.

Background

In September 2018 there was a fire in the trees and vegetation above the Bronte amenities block, towards Bronte pool. Following an inspection of the fire site, Council found that the exotic trees damaged in the fire needed to be removed. This included two (2) clumps of Birds of Paradise (Strelitzia sp.) and three (3) Coral trees (Erythrina x sykesii).

Residents in the immediate vicinity of the site were notified of Council’s remediation plans via letterbox drop in November 2018. Site signage was also erected. Following notification, works commenced to remove the Coral Trees. In the process of removing the trees, a number of residents contacted Council with concerns about the project. In response, Council ceased work to review the plan of action in consultation with the community.

The project

Council has developed a new plan to remove the remainder of the burned vegetation, stabilise the slope and plant local native species. Please see the Tree Removal and Retention Plan and the proposed Landscape Plan in the document library to the right of the page (bottom of the page if you are viewing this on your tablet or phone).

Stems from the burned Strelitzias have begun to fall over and impact on the native trees adjoining the burned vegetation. Strelitzias are an invasive species native to Southern Africa. Over the years, this plant has come to dominate this slope and out-compete native vegetation. A staged approach to Strelitzia removal and slope stabilisation will be undertaken to manage any potential erosion issues. No tree roots will be removed to further stabilise the slope.

All removed vegetation will be replaced by coastal heath species. The plantings will be similar to what is immediately adjacent to the damaged vegetation and will consist of species such as Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia), Heath-leaved Banksia (Banskia ericifolia), Spiny mattrush (Lomandra longifolia), white correa (Correa alba), coastal tea tree (Leptospermum laevigatum), Native Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens) and Coastal wattle (Acacia longifolia). This planting will form part of the coastal habitat corridor that provides habitat for species such as Superb Fairy-wrens that can be regularly seen in this location.

Have your say

Tell us your thoughts on the proposed restoration plans by completing the submission form below.

Submissions close 30 April 2019.