A sprawling, heritage-listed Moreton Bay Fig, which has been part of the Cronulla streetscape as long as anyone can remember, is set to be chopped down so traffic lights can be installed.
The tree is embedded in the road pavement in Wilbar Avenue near the corner of Kingsway, opposite the BP service station.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) plans to install traffic lights to assist traffic turning right towards the train station and South Cronulla.
Sutherland Shire Council has endorsed the proposal subject to public consultation.
The project would be carried out in conjunction with another controversial proposal nearby, in which angle parking next to Dunningham Park would be removed and compensated for by extending the car park near the surf club over a nature reserve.
A council report on the intersection of Kingsway and Wilbar Avenue said, “Opportunity exists for RMS to fund and develop options for traffic signals at this intersection, which will improve safety and regulate traffic so as to reduce delays for traffic exiting Cronulla.
“An existing constraint at the intersection has been the location of the large fig tree on the south eastern corner.
“The tree is identified as an item of local heritage significance under Sutherland Shire LEP 2015.
“However, given its age and location the tree is showing signs of stress which will be compounded by the proposed traffic signals and impending redevelopment of the adjoining business premises.
“A preliminary assessment of the tree by a Level 5 qualified arborist concludes that removal of the tree appears appropriate in the circumstances.
“Removal of the tree would provide opportunity for an optimised signal design.
“RMS will consult with the community as part of the project and final design development.”
The report concluded: “The proposed works will reduce existing delays and queuing during peak periods and are considered necessary to provide additional intersection capacity to cater for existing and future growth in the area.
“Subject to the outcome of a community consultation process, it is considered to be in council's best interest to provide RMS with support for the projects.”
RMS says it will fund both projects, and plans to carry out the work in winter next year.
Funding will be provided under the state government's Gateway to the South pinch point program.
