Norfolk Island pine trees along Coast Rd at Sharpes Beach, Ballina saved as councillors knock back car park plans

A Northern Rivers council aired plans to axe a patch of iconic Norfolk Island pines for carparking spots, drawing the ire of some in the community. Here’s how the situation has resolved.

Ballina Shire Council has decided not to slash the pines. Picture: Facebook/Rod Bruem

Ballina Shire Council has revealed it has decided not to cut down a patch of Norfolk Island pine trees for extra carparking spots at Sharpes Beach.

The council flagged plans to cut down the trees along Coast Rd for more vehicle spots, prompting a mountain of submissions from residents.

Some may be reminded of the popular song Big Yellow Taxi by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell and its many covers – and particularly the line: “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”

The pines endemic to Norfolk Island grow up to 70m tall and are a common sight at many towns and cities along the Australian coast.

In relation to the proposed car park development, 156 submissions were received in total.

The Norfolk trees at Sharpes Beach. Picture: Facebook/Rod Bruem.

About 39.5 per cent pushed for less carparking and greater emphasis on coastal landscape amenity, while about 27.2 per cent voted for more carparking and less emphasis on landscape amenity.

Another 33.3 per cent indicated they did not feel strongly either way and appreciated a balance.

Some weighing in expressed a desire for the existing trees to be retained in the development, with 43 submissions specifically referencing the trees.

Councillor Rod Bruem said he and his counterparts were united in a decision to reject the preferred plan put forward by staff and instead vote to save the trees.

Ballina Shire Councillor Rod Bruem is glad the trees were saved. Picture: File

But creating extra parking in the area has not gone to the wayside completely.

“Planning staff are going to look at how parking can be maximised, recognising it’s often hard to get in this iconic coastal location,” Mr Bruem said.

The councillor said he was pleased and that the trees were recognised in Ballina – as in many parts of the country – “as an important part of our heritage”.

He said the trees added to the “stunning scenery” along the road.

The National Trusts of Australia states Norfolk Pines are well suited to coastal areas and able to withstand the salt and wind, leading them to become an “iconic species” in Australia.

Evidently a fan himself, Cr Bruem said the pines were “beautiful”, but conceded “not all councillors agreed on that”.

“I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” he said.

The particular trees were planted by the late Dr Peter Stewart decades ago. His family still owns the land now being leased to the council.

the late Dr Peter Stewarts planted the pines. Picture: File

“I know the family will be pleased with this decision,” Cr Bruem said.

Residents also took to Facebook to rally against the axing of the trees before they were saved.

One woman wrote: “Doc Stewart would turn in his grave if he could see what’s going on.”

A man weighed in and said Dr Stewart was often seen hand watering the trees he planted during times of drought and strict water restrictions.

Another woman said the pines have “a great aesthetic” and chopping down the trees should not be considered at all.

“We shouldn’t even have to debate this issue. Council, keep the Norfolk Pines,” she wrote.

Plans are underway to figure out how the car park project can proceed.

The council has $1.3 million for the project, of which $1.05m came from the state government Regional Tourism Activation Fund.