Residents in Fremantle, Western Australia, have strongly opposed a local council proposal that could see two century-old Norfolk pine trees removed to make way for new pedestrian crossings at a busy coastal intersection.

The City of Fremantle is considering installing two raised “wombat crossings” at South Terrace and Douro Road to improve pedestrian safety and traffic management in an area where crossing on foot is currently considered difficult and unsafe.

However, the plan has sparked significant community backlash following a month-long consultation period, with many locals arguing that removing the mature trees would be unnecessary and damaging to the character of the area.According to residents, the Norfolk pines are iconic features of the streetscape, and their removal has been described by some as “sacrilege”.While the council acknowledges the cultural and aesthetic value of the trees, it maintains that pedestrian safety must be prioritised.

Councillors have noted that drivers and pedestrians experience the intersection very differently, with pedestrians reporting unsafe conditions when crossing the busy roundabout and adjoining roads.

Council representatives have emphasised that no final decision has been made and that feedback from the community engagement process will be carefully reviewed in an upcoming report.The proposal also includes the removal of additional juvenile street trees in the median strip, further intensifying public concern.Safety concerns have also been highlighted in discussions, including the risk of reduced visibility caused by existing trees.Meanwhile, alternative transport planning options, such as cycling infrastructure changes and speed limit reductions, have been raised.The speed limit along Douro Road has already been reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h as part of broader safety measures.

A council report analysing community feedback is expected in the coming months, and it will play a key role in determining whether the trees are preserved or removed.