Residents in Dover Heights have successfully petitioned to remove a line of tuckeroo trees on Myuna Road that have grown to block views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.
A Long-Standing View Obstruction
Homeowners along Myuna Road raised the issue after noticing that the tuckeroo trees, planted by authorities more than a decade ago, had grown far taller than the original street trees. Those earlier plantings stood below three metres and did not obstruct outlooks across the harbour.
Residents said the tuckeroos now range between four and eight metres high, cutting off previously open views of Sydney’s skyline. In their petition to the authorities, signed by 21 homeowners, residents included photographs taken before the current trees were planted to demonstrate the extent of the change.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Petition Leads To Near-Unanimous Vote
The matter had been revisited over several council terms, with pruning efforts undertaken to manage growth. However, trimming reduced width rather than height and failed to restore visibility. After ongoing discussions, councillors voted almost unanimously to support the residents’ petition to remove the tuckeroos.
Waverley Council confirmed it would replace them with native grevillea trees that grow no higher than about three metres. The council stated that the removal and replanting work will occur in the coming months, with staff managing the process to minimise disruption and maintain the area’s vegetation cover.
Balancing Views And Greenery
Residents described the outcome as a practical resolution to a long-running issue affecting a street known for its panoramic location. The decision aims to preserve the area’s tree-lined appearance while ensuring harbour views are no longer obstructed.
Others in the community have emphasised the value of shade and wildlife habitat provided by street trees, reflecting an ongoing discussion about balancing environmental and visual priorities in residential areas.
Council Plans Ahead
Waverley Council has said it will oversee the removal and replanting process and continue reviewing tree species for urban streetscapes. The aim is to ensure future plantings provide greenery without obstructing outlooks, maintaining both the environmental and visual character of Dover Heights.
Published 28-Oct-2025
