Lagunaria Replacement Program

The Lagunaria patersonia (Norfolk Island Hibiscus) is now regarded as an unsuitable street tree in many parts of Australia, including Hobsons Bay.

Despite the species having many beneficial attributes, the release of fine hairs from the tree’s seed capsules can unfortunately provide extensive discomfort to residents living in close proximity to them. These hairs can cause respiratory and skin irritations. The species also provides significant management issues when located underneath powerlines, as it produces vigorous regrowth following pruning activities and therefore often requires extensive pruning.

A key action of Council’s Urban Forest Strategy, 2020, includes the replacement of our Lagunaria patersonia street tree population with appropriate new tree species. The replacement species will be carefully selected, planted and maintained to ensure the restoration of canopy in a timely manner. Where space allows, Council will seek to plant in excess of one appropriate canopy tree, for each removed Lagunaria patersonia. 

Council will seek to replace Lagunaria patersonia where they are causing the most amount of discomfort to members of the community. 

View the locations of Lagunaria patersonia trees already scheduled in the replacement program.

Important timeframes 

Lagunaria patersonia removal works for 2024 have been scheduled and are currently underway.

To accommodate the scheduling of replacement trees in the Street Tree Planting program, the cut-off dates for nominated trees to be removed in 2025 is 31 January 2025. 

Approved removals will take place from February to August.

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Privacy Collection Statement

Hobsons Bay City Council is committed to protecting your privacy. The personal information and opinions supplied by you in this survey in regard to the project will assist Council keeping you involved and up to date on the project. Your personal information will not be disclosed to any external party without your consent, unless required or authorised by law. You have the right to access your personal information and make corrections. If you have any queries or wish to gain access to amend your information please contact Council’s Privacy Officer on 1300 179 944