Southern Grampians council to cut all 66 trees from Hamilton CBD
Council voted to remove all London Plane trees from the CBD as part of a streetscape redevelopment, ending decades of urban canopy.
Southern Grampians Shire Council has voted to cut down all 66 London Plane trees from Hamilton's central business district. The trees have been iconic fixtures on the streets for generations.
The decision came after a tree impact audit report noted damage to buildings, footpaths and roads. The council says new trees will be replanted to suit local conditions and provide shade long-term.
Hamilton's former mayor Howard Templeton said the decision would destroy the city's character and harm small businesses. He warned that removing all the trees means no shade for 20 years and raised concerns about heat exposure in summer.
A similar council in Warrnambool removed its plane trees in 2017. Final designs will go to council and community for feedback in 2027.
- 66 London Plane trees
- Trees to be removed
- Hamilton CBD
- Location
- Warrnambool in 2017
- Similar removal
- 20 years
- No shade period
Why it mattersRemoving mature trees affects a town's cooling, character, business appeal and shade for residents during hot months.
AustraliaFor Victorian towns, this shows how councils are trading heritage urban trees for development projects, with lasting impacts on amenity and summer heat.
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