Long-standing Norfolk Island pine tree in Newtown to be removed by Toowoomba council over sewer line issues

It’s believed to have been a fixture of an inner-city streetscape for upwards of a century. But a historical Norfolk Island pine tree is facing the axe for a key reason.

A Norfolk Island pine tree on a private property at Vacy Street in Newtown looks set to be cut down by the Toowoomba Regional Council.

A beautiful and massive tree believed to be more than 100 years old looks set to be cut down by the Toowoomba Regional Council.

The towering Norfolk Island pine, which is understood to have stood for more than a century at a private property on Vacy Street in Newtown, is one of two trees slated for removal by the council soon.

The trees, which are endemic to Norfolk Island and therefore not protected by the Heritage Conservation Act, can grow up to 65m in height.

In a statement, water and waste chair councillor Rebecca Vonhoff said the tree’s roots were interrupting the sewer line that ran through the area and serviced the nearby Glennie School.

“The tree roots are crushing the sewer line and severely impacting the integrity of the pipe which has resulted in a number of blockages,” she said.

“This sewer line services The Glennie School and a large number of properties in that area. If the roots of these trees continue to impact the integrity of the pipe, sewer services to The Glennie School and other properties will continue to be adversely impacted.”

Ms Vonhoff said owners’ consent had been given to remove the trees.

It comes eight years after the previous homeowners fought neighbours who wanted it cut down.

Despite the explanation many Toowoomba residents took aim at the decision on social media, with one calling the council “irresponsible”.