Behind the rundown facade lies a landmark locals refuse to lose

Tucked away behind a weathered, graffiti-tagged fence and a long-abandoned house in Thornbury, Melbourne, stand two silent sentinels: a pair of towering sugar gum trees, estimated to be more than a century old. 

For many locals, these trees are more than just part of the scenery—they’re living landmarks, a rare slice of nature in an increasingly concrete jungle. 

And now, as developers eye the site for a new future, the community is rallying to save these gentle giants from the axe. 

Rebecca Hart, a passionate Thornbury resident, has become the unofficial spokesperson for the trees. ‘They’re majestic. Looking at them takes you somewhere else,’ she says, her voice echoing the sentiment of many in the neighbourhood. 

‘These landmarks have stood tall regardless of all the development that’s happened here.’ In a city where old-growth trees are becoming a rarity, Hart and her neighbours see the sugar gums as irreplaceable—both for their beauty and the vital role they play in the local ecosystem.

Why are these trees under threat?

The story is a familiar one in many Australian suburbs. The derelict house on the corner block has finally changed hands after years of neglect, and the new owners have big plans. 

But those plans include removing the two sugar gums, which, while beautiful, are undeniably massive. 

Eucalyptus trees, after all, have a reputation for dropping branches—sometimes with little warning—and their size can be intimidating, especially on a small residential block.

Darebin Council, which oversees the area, has confirmed it’s received an application to remove the trees. 

The council’s CEO, Michael Tudball, has assured residents that the process for assessing the application is thorough and can take up to 12 weeks. 

‘Removal of significant trees is only ever granted as a last resort where other mitigations aren’t possible,’ he says. 

But for many locals, that’s cold comfort. They worry that if these trees go, it could set a precedent for further loss of mature trees across the suburb.

The bigger picture: Why big trees matter

It’s not just about aesthetics. Large, old trees like these sugar gums are ecological powerhouses. 

Their hollows provide homes for native birds and mammals—ringtail possums, wood ducks, lorikeets, magpies, butcherbirds, and even bees. 

In Melbourne, where hollow-bearing trees are increasingly rare, these habitats are crucial. The loss of such trees has already led to the local extinction of species like the kookaburra in some areas.

Urban trees also help cool our suburbs, improve air quality, and provide a sense of continuity in rapidly changing neighbourhoods. 

As Hart points out, ‘In Thornbury, if you’re looking west, they are the most significant part of the skyline. Last night, the trees were silhouetted with a crescent moon behind them. They’re the biggest, most beautiful thing you can see.’

What protections do these trees have?

You might think that trees of this size and age would be untouchable, but the reality is more complicated. 

While Darebin Council’s local laws offer some protection—trees over 8 metres high and with a trunk circumference greater than 100cm at 1.4 metres above the ground are considered ‘significant’—this doesn’t guarantee their survival. 

If a tree is deemed a danger to people or property, or if a suitable replacement landscaping plan is proposed, removal can still be approved.

Hart and other residents have called for a formal register of significant trees, a proposal that was floated back in 2013 but never implemented. 

The council argues that existing laws are sufficient, but the fate of the Thornbury sugar gums suggests otherwise.

A wider trend: The battle for urban trees

Thornbury’s fight is part of a broader struggle playing out in cities across Australia. In some affluent Sydney suburbs, residents have been caught illegally poisoning trees to improve their water views. 

Elsewhere, councils are under pressure to remove large trees due to safety concerns or development pressures. The result? Our urban forests are shrinking, and with them, the benefits they provide.

It’s a delicate balance: safety, property rights, and the need for housing versus the irreplaceable value of mature trees. 

But as our cities grow denser and hotter, the case for keeping these green giants becomes ever more compelling.

What can you do?

If you’re passionate about protecting trees in your neighbourhood, there are steps you can take:

Get informed: Find out what protections exist for significant trees in your area.

Get involved: Join or start a local action group. The more voices, the stronger the message.

Contact your council: Make your views known, and ask about the process for nominating trees for protection.

Share your story: Sometimes, a well-timed photo or heartfelt letter can sway public opinion.

Have your say!

Have you seen a beloved tree in your neighbourhood come under threat? Or perhaps you’ve been part of a successful campaign to save one? 

We’d love to hear your stories, memories, and thoughts on the importance of urban trees. Share your experiences in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation (and the canopy) growing!

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