People power: Chinamans Beach palm tree in Mosman WILL NOT be cut down!

By ANNA USHER

A community campaign led by Mosman Collective to save a 40-year-old Chinamans Beach palm tree has been successful, with Council deciding to NOT remove it.

In an email sent to residents on Thursday, a Council spokesperson thanked 38 respondents who had made a written submission to the Environment and Open Space department.

“Thank you for your correspondence on Council’s consideration of the removal of the Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) at Chinamans Beach,” it reads.

“Council was considering removing this tree as part of its natural bushland work and to promote the natural regeneration of the dune system.

“Following the completion of Council’s public feedback period and the review of the submissions received, Council will not be removing the Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) in this area.”

The towering palm had been labelled as a “species not desirable in remenant (sic) bushland”, with a partially concealed notice taped to its trunk on July 17, notifying residents they had just 14 days to object.

It prompted a furious backlash from many residing in the LGA.

“This will set a precedent to get rid of all the palms in Mosman because they are non-native,” Sharon Fitzgerald said.

“They are beautiful iconic trees. This is pure vandalism.”

“Thank you for bringing light to this,” another local said in an email to Mosman Collective Editor Anna Usher. “Hopefully, something can be done to turn it around and save that magnificent palm tree.”

Mosman Collective understands 38 complaints were made, forcing the Council to walk back any planned culling of the species first introduced to Australia in 1877 and subsequently planted right across Sydney.

Maintenance works on the palm will occur in the next fortnight, with “the raising of palm fronds and the removal of all dead debris from the trunk and surrounding ground”.

Council say a new wildlife box is also set to be installed “on or in close proximity to the tree.”

“This will allow Council to manage the space as a bushland area … and help reduce ongoing maintenance requirements and costs in this location,” the email reads.

Impending works at Chinamans Beach will also include planting new native species.