Austi war memorial work

The Austinmer War Memorial. Photo: Google Streetview

HAND dug trenches around the Norfolk Island Pine trees near Austinmer war memorial will be part of future works to upgrade the cenotaph’s surrounds.

Wollongong City Council staff, supervised by an arborist, will be mapping the roots of the iconic trees on Tuesday to determine their location, size and extent.

The digging will take place in select locations near the trees and Council says will have no adverse impact on the trees. It’s estimated the work will take one day and barriers and pedestrian control will be in place. Rectification works will be completed after the digging is finished.

The root mapping will help inform Council designs to improve access and safety around the war memorial.

Council said environmental issues have been considered with the preparation of a Review of Environmental Factors. Although Council does not consider the area to be part of an Aboriginal heritage site, a due diligence process, has been undertaken as part of the environmental review for the project, and consultation will be had with Aboriginal groups.

For more information contact Council’s Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111.