Massive gum tree collapse in Dunsborough park has residents worried other trees may be set to tumble

Dunsborough residents watched on in horror last Sunday as a massive gum tree fell in a local park. Local resident Ben Penny said he was shocked and disappointed to see one of the community’s great trees lying on the ground near the corner of Ardfin Street and Shoreacres Way. Mr Penny said it wasn’t the first time a tree in the area had collapsed, and he believes it is has become a more common occurrence in recent years. He said he is concerned with the lack of drainage and abundance of recent development in the area. He believes this may be having an impact on the health of the trees. According to Mr Penny there were once several trees surrounding the gum tree, which have been removed over the course of development. “It just cops the full brunt of the weather now,” he said. “It’s disappointing to see a tree that has probably been there for years lying on the ground when it probably would still be standing for a long time if it wasn’t for us.” Mr Penny said the collapse could have been significantly worse, however, as there were past plans to build a playground directly in the tree’s path. He said when the City of Busselton planned the park many locals were unhappy with the location and petitioned for it to move. “If it was where they had positioned it first, it would have been flattened,” Mr Penny said. Mr Penny was concerned for the safety of himself and his neighbours with the potential risk of falling trees. “There’s a lot of trees and a lot of parks,” he said. “If this happens on the regular it’s only a matter of time until someone gets hurt.” The City of Busselton said they were made aware of the fallen tree on Monday as was the developer who managed the reserve where it once stood. A spokesperson for the city said the tree was of substantial size at 35 meters tall and more than 200 years of old, hosting important Black Cockatoo habitat. “The city parks and environment team manage trees within city managed lands,” the spokesperson said. “Staff inspect trees regularly and report any concerns to the city’s tree management officer, who will investigate and seek further advice from an external arborist as required. “The city officers have requested that the developer keep part of the tree in situ as habitat and large lateral branches for future nature playgrounds in the city.”