Cottesloe's Iconic Norfolk Pines to Be Phased Out in New Sustainable Street Plan
Cottesloe's iconic Norfolk Island Pines could be phased out from future street plantings under proposed changes to the town's street tree masterplan. A total of 27 streets are recommended for a new designated tree species to be adopted in the street tree masterplan. The change hopes to make the town's future tree canopy more sustainable and resilient to potential infestations of the polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB).
Community Consultation and Tree Selection
Residents living on the affected streets were consulted in late 2025, asking them to choose which tree species they preferred to be planted on their street in the future. These ranged from native Australian trees such as tuarts, paperbarks, spotted gums and Rottnest Island tea trees. Every street was recommended for changes except Alexandra Avenue, after residents strongly supported keeping the existing coral trees, even though they are a known host for the pests.
Cost and Environmental Goals
The plan, which is estimated to cost $150,000, is part of the town's green infrastructure strategy and long-term vision to meet a 30 per cent canopy goal by 2040. Despite being synonymous with the pine trees which line many of its streets, Cottesloe's tree canopy only sits at about 14 per cent — the lowest among the western suburbs councils, according to tree canopy advocate Sarah Allchurch. "Any plan to increase street trees in Cottesloe is a positive step," she said.
Impact of Pests and Canopy Loss
Like many other inner-city suburbs, Cottesloe took a hit to its canopy after it was forced to remove trees that became infested by the borer. In response to the tree loss, the town council received $12,204 from the Government's WA Tree recovery grant to support re-planting. Ms Allchurch said most canopy loss was happening on private land, which was why she and other advocates continued to push for local councils to adopt stronger safeguards for trees.
Broader Council Initiatives
"Across Perth, most canopy loss happens on private land, which is why so many councils are now introducing policies to protect significant trees while still allowing sensible development," she said. "Ten councils across Perth - including Cambridge, Nedlands, Peppermint Grove and Fremantle - already have tree protection policies in place, with others such as Mosman Park and Claremont expected to follow very soon."
Upcoming Council Decision
Council will vote on adopting the street tree masterplan at its upcoming meeting on March 24. This decision marks a critical step in Cottesloe's efforts to enhance urban greenery and combat environmental challenges, setting a precedent for sustainable urban planning in the region.
