Norfolk pines at Surfers Paradise being cut down and replaced with weeping lily pilly trees as part of Gold Coast City Council masterplan

The council is cutting down the massive trees in Surfers Paradise, thought to have been planted in the early-mid 1900s.

GIGANTIC Norfolk pines in Surfers Paradise are being chopped down by Gold Coast City Council as part of the masterplan for the area.

Five remaining “declining” pines, thought to have been planted in the early-mid 1900s, will be replaced with new weeping lily pilly shade trees, a spokeswoman confirmed.

The trees will be gone by Friday, weather permitting. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Safety played a part in the council decision because the trees were “in poor health”.

The work began today and will continue until Friday, weather permitting.

Workers were photographed scaling the trees and a crane was moving large sections of the vegetation.

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The council wrote to businesses in the area to let them know the trees would be removed.

“The City of Gold Coast has upcoming works scheduled in Cavill Mall to install suitable shade trees by replacing the declining Norfolk Pine trees located north of the entrance to the Paradise Centre,” a statement read.

Workers removing the trees in Surfers Paradise today. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Works to install the new shade trees include saw-cutting the surface area surrounding the base of the trees, removal of the existing Norfolk Pine trees, stump grinding, removal of soil. “Temporary construction fencing will be around the works area to ensure public safety until works is completed. Access to all businesses will be maintained.”

A worker scaling one of the trees in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The council said businesses may notice construction noise from a small excavator, crane, large trucks, saw-cutting, chainsaws and handheld power tools.

New Waterhousia (weeping lily pilly) shade trees will replace the Norfolk pines, as seen in an artist's impression. Picture: Gold Coast City Council

Norfolk pines at Burleigh and Coolangatta foreshores are on the Gold Coast Local Heritage Register, but it appears the trees at Surfers are not included.