Taylor Park partly closed for tree works

TORQUAY’S Taylor Park was partly closed by the Great Ocean Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) on Wednesday this week to complete tree management works.

GORCAPA says it has received expert advice from independent arborists that identified 58 trees posed a high risk of falling or dropping branches due to a variety of reasons. The independent assessment was part of the authority’s annual arborist assessment of the park.

Works are already complete on 21 trees and of the remaining 37 high-risk trees, 15 trees will need to be removed.

Habitat pruning to conserve and improve the health of other trees will also take place during this time.

Nearly 97 per cent of the trees affected are not native to Victoria and native species will be planted in place of those removed.

GORCAPA is working with the Friends of Taylor Park to find ways to repurpose the timber for new purposes, such as habitat logs, artwork, free mulch and outdoor furniture.

Signs and bunting have been installed to mark the boundaries around the park.

“The safety of people utilising our coast and parks is our highest priority,” GORCAPA coastal reserves manager Caleb Hurrell said.

“Given the number of trees graded as high risk in Torquay’s Taylor Park, it is only appropriate we temporarily close sections of the park until our tree management works are complete.

“Our team will use the opportunity to plant native species and we’ll also look to repurpose the timber of the trees removed.

“We look forward to reopening the popular Taylor Park knowing it is a safe space for the community to continue to enjoy.

“We thank the community for their patience and understanding while we undertake these important tree management works.”