Temporary home provided for native palm trees as work progresses on Mount Ousley interchange

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As work continues on the Mount Ousley interchange, Transport for NSW has worked closely with stakeholders to recover a number of Dharawal palms located within the work area.

As work continues on the Mount Ousley interchange, Transport for NSW has worked closely with stakeholders to recover a number of Dharawal palms (PDF, 87.07 KB) located within the work area.

Transport for NSW Regional Director South, Cassandra Ffrench, said Dharawal palms, also known as cabbage tree palms, hold strong significance in the Aboriginal culture. Their roots connect to Country, to Mount Djeera and spiritually tie the intangible and tangibles.

“We have engaged with a number of stakeholders, including the local Aboriginal community, Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council and the University of Wollongong to relocate and store the cabbage tree palms for up to two years with the aim to integrate the majority back into the landscaping for the project,” Ms Ffrench said.

“The trunk of a cabbage tree palm can reach a height of 30-metres, making it one of the tallest native Australian plants with leaves that span three to four metres in length.

“Recovery of these significant trees demonstrates Transport’s commitment to sustainability and minimising impacts on the environment as vegetation removal continues on the southern side of the M1 Princes Motorway near the University of Wollongong.”

University of Wollongong Vice-President (Operations) Stephen Phillips said the University’s Landscape team would care for nine palms, ranging in height from two to four metres, that were recovered by Transport for NSW contractors in May.

“We are pleased to contribute to this effort and care for these trees over the next two years,” Mr Phillips said.

“One of the cabbage tree palms will be replanted in the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre courtyard, three more on the University’s grounds and the remainder will be stored with the aim of being replanted as part of the project’s landscaping.”

Transport for NSW will continue to work with stakeholders to identify opportunities for reuse of material within the community and across other Transport projects.

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