Palms are 'safely stored'

The cabbage tree palms which were removed from Woy Woy Library courtyard recently are reported to have been safely stored at a council nursery.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce's Mainstreet Co-ordinator Ms Debra Wales said the trees would be stored until a suitable site on the Peninsula was found for them.

"We have earmarked Ettalong Beach as they are indigenous to the area and suggested species in the streetscape in the Ettalong Beach Streetscape Plan of Management," Ms Wales said.

Ms Wales said the trees had been funded as part of the 1998 Financial Strategy Peninsula CBD funds.

"We fought hard to keep them on the Peninsula because our Woy Woy CBD funds paid for the cabbage trees and Canary Islands palms.

"They were meant to go directly into the ground not planter boxes as we advised they would outgrow their boxes.

"If you look at it today the Library looks very bare and stark without the lovely shade the trees provided.

"They were very healthy and softened the corner.

"It is a great pity but they are safe and will be returned to the Peninsula," Ms Wales said.

Press release, 12, 26 Sep 2007 Debra Wales, Mainstreet Coordinator