Memorial poplars on Waterfall Way to be replaced due to safety risk

Armidale’s RSL sub-branch has given its blessing for Council to remove and replace 37 war memorial poplar trees along Waterfall Way after one recently fell into the path of two moving vehicles.

An assessment found the cause of the fall stemmed from fungal decay in the root crown, with this condition affecting 37 poplars between the Canambe Street roundabout and Quota Park. To ensure the assessment of the trees was beyond question, Armidale Regional Council requested an independent arborist review of the Poplars. The review found the 37 poplars ranged in risk category from urgent removal required, to likely to move into high risk.

Council has worked closely with Armidale’s RSL sub-branch to develop a strategy that maintains the important historical value of the memorial, while also ensuring the public is not put at risk of an accident.

Armidale Regional Council’s General Manager James Roncon said all of the removed trees will be replaced with new Lombardy Poplars to preserve what has been a spectacular thoroughfare into the city for decades.

“We simply can’t take any chances when it comes to the safety of our community, so this is the best way to ensure a tragic accident doesn’t happen,” said Mr Roncon.

“The original trees were planted as a memorial to the Australian Infantry Forces following the Second World War, so we have treated this situation with the utmost care and respect.”

Additional poplar trees and a eucalyptus may need to be removed and replacements will be established to maintain this significant war memorial.

Works on the removal and replacement of the trees will begin on Wednesday 11 August and are expected to be complete within two weeks. Works will be carried out between the hours of 7am and 5pm, and nearby residents have been notified. Traffic control will be in place during the course of the work.

Published on 09 Aug 2021