Over the next 3 years, 70 pine trees will be removed from Koolunga Native Reserve in Ferntree Gully allowing more local plants and wildlife to thrive.
The pine trees in Koolunga are not native and are classified as an environmental weed. The trees are being removed because the toxins in their needles are preventing indigenous trees and plants from growing. Gradually removing some of the pines will make room for native trees and plants to flourish. Over time this will create important habitat for wildlife and sun protection. Where possible, bark from the removed pine trees will be recycled into mulch, assisting with the revegetation of the reserve.
Koolunga Native Reserve is a 6-hectare area in Ferntree Gully. It was once part of the Chandler Boronia and Daffodil Farm, which operated from 1898 to 1971. The reserve was acquired by Knox City Council in the early 1960s and opened to the public in 1967. Koolunga is highly regarded as a place to exercise, connect with others, and enjoy the natural environment. Large sections of the reserve are set aside for conservation, protecting important natural areas where parts of the original ecosystem have been preserved and restored. Parts of the reserve are recognised as having national biological significance due to the presence of critically endangered flora and regionally important habitat. It is also locally significant because of its position within the local habitat corridor. Koolunga also features an open waterway that flows into Blind Creek and boasts two kilometers of walking tracks and a large open space for dog walking and passive recreation.
Following consultation with local residents and the community, the Koolunga Native Reserve Future Directions Plan was endorsed in 2023. It outlines how we plan to enhance biodiversity, improve stormwater quality, and ensure the reserve's long-term sustainability, making it a place that continues to support community wellbeing. One of the key actions in the plan is the removal of 70 pine trees.
Pine trees will be removed in stages from February 2025. Each stage will take approximately 2 - 3 weeks to complete.
Stage 1 - 17 February 2025
- Removal of 21 pine trees
- Soil remediation/improvement in this area
Stage 2 - Early 2026
- Removal of approximately 30 pine trees
- Soil remediation/improvement of this area
- Revegetation of stage 1 area with native trees, shrubs and ground covers
Stage 3 - Future years
- Revegetation of stage 2 area with native trees, shrubs and ground covers
- Removal of approximately 20 pine trees
- Soli restoration
- Revegetation of stage 3 area
Some minor temporary disruptions due to machinery on-site may occur but will be limited to operating between 7 am and 5 pm. The reserve will remain open during the works, but some areas may be temporarily closed at times. Fencing and signage will be in place to keep reserve visitors informed and protected. Most of the tree removal work will occur in the northwest of the reserve, near Daffodil Road. Access from Daffodil Road and parking around the reserve for nearby residents and reserve visitors will not be affected. Works are taking place during warmer weather to avoid delays due to rain and to reduce damage to the open space from machinery on the wet ground.
Once the work is complete, the functionality of the reserve will not change. All areas will continue to offer the same opportunities to explore and enjoy the bushland, waterway, walking track, and open space.
Future plans to improve this unique space include planting more vegetation to protect and enhance the sensitive bushland, managing stormwater to improve water quality, and upgrading pathways, seating, and signs to provide more information about the reserve's unique attributes.
See the Future Directions Plan for more information.
