A road upgrade in Thornlie is creating a unique landscaping opportunity for anyone with the space and equipment to rehome some towering palm trees.
Four large, established palms currently standing in the middle of the Nicholson Road, Garden Street and Yale Road roundabout will need to be removed to make way for a new flyover bridge.
City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said the palms have long been a local feature but must be relocated to allow the intersection works to go ahead.
“These are substantial palm trees that have been a feature of this intersection for many years,” she said.
“However, due to their size, they need to be removed to enable the intersection upgrade. Our preference is not to just see them become garden mulch.”
The new intersection will be transformed into a landscaped, waterwise, native garden once the upgrade is complete, in line with the City’s environmental focus.
The announcement stirred a mix of public responses online. Some welcomed the idea of giving the palms a second life, while others raised concerns about pests, cost and practicality.
“Hopefully the trees are checked for borers before translocated to another address,” one person commented.
There was also strong support for the intersection upgrade itself, with one user posting, “Yessssss I don’t want the trees but let’s get rid of that roundabout.”
Others questioned the planning behind the changes. “Why plant them then get rid of them?” one person asked.
In response to concerns about costs, the City clarified that anyone interested in acquiring the trees must cover all relocation expenses.
Those keen to give the palms a new home will need to cover all relocation costs and can express their interest by contacting the City at info@gosnells.wa.gov.au.
More information about the roadworks, including an overpass design, drainage changes and pedestrian upgrades, is available on the Main Roads WA website.
