White ants claim prominent tree

Council has started removing a large jacaranda tree near the Sturt Park rotunda after a pest inspection revealed extensive termite damage.

The infestation was discovered during a routine asset inspection carried out at the park this month.

Council's Chief Operations Officer, Anthony Misagh, said removal of the tree was now underway.

"It's a shame that the tree has been destroyed by termites, it's a very old and prominent tree, and a feature of the park," he said.

"But the pest report showed that the termite damage was quite extensive and had significantly weakened the tree, and we can't run the risk of it falling on a park user or the historic rotunda.

"Our staff will clean it up as best as we can with our equipment to minimise any public safety issues, then we'll look at getting a contractor in to do some of the heavier removal work.

"We'd just ask park users to steer clear of the work site while the removal is being carried out."

Mr Misagh said Council would look at replacing the jacaranda with a semi-mature tree if possible.