Restoring Hyde Park Islands
Starting in May 2025, trees were removed from the islands at Hyde Park by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) due to polyphagous shot-hole borer.
Losing trees is the last thing anyone wants to see, but this precaution was taken to stop the borer spreading to healthy trees in Hyde Park.
Fortunately, more trees were able to be retained on the islands than originally thought. This has put as in as better position to reestablish our canopy cover more quickly.
Happening now
Our Hyde Park islands restoration project started immediately following work by DPIRD. The four-year project was developed in partnership with industry experts and will see 4,000 new plants in the ground in the first year alone.
Our focus is on revitalising the islands as quickly as possible to protect the long-term beauty and health of Hyde Park.
Previous restoration of Hyde Park’s eastern island in 2012 gives us confidence that our program will see the islands flourish again.
Preparation
The first year will involve significant preparation works to prevent erosion and ensure the two islands are in the best possible condition for healthy plant growth.
Planting
The weather has meant a slower start to planting than we would have liked. We are focusing on planting the eastern island until water levels recede on the western island. Once this happens the first step will be to spread the soil currently in bags on the island.
Tree species endemic to the area and those favoured by local wildlife have been carefully selected for the project. These include Eucalyptus, Banksia and Melaleuca. Species susceptible to the shot-hole borer will not be planted.
Advanced trees are being planted this year to give them the best chance to establish during winter. This approach will help our canopy cover recover more quickly.
Wildlife
We’re taking extra care to protect birds and wildlife. Areas of densely planted shrubs and habitat logs are being incorporated to provide safe nesting sites.
Happening next
Following years will focus on maintenance and infill planting.
Native wetland species suited to local conditions will be planted to restore dense understory growth.
Recently completed
Work to remove the trees has now been completed by DPIRD. More about the works.
Latest updates
Posted 19 May 2025
Borer affected trees removed from islands at Hyde Park
Work is underway by DPIRD to remove trees heavily infested with Polyphagous shot-hole borer from the islands at Hyde Park.
Posted 10 December 2024
Polyphagous shot-hole borer treatment at Beatty Park
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has confirmed an infestation of Polyphagous shot-hole borer at Beatty Park.
Posted 08 October 2024
Polyphagous shot-hole borer treatment at Hyde Park
Treatment will start with the most heavily infested trees from 14 October 2024.
Posted 21 February 2024
Hyde Park Reference Group nominations open
We are looking for volunteers to guide the restoration of our tree canopy.
Posted 19 April 2023
PSHB Treatment at Hyde Park
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will be undertaking works in Hyde Park from late May to stop the spread of the invasive pest Polyphagous shot-hole borer.
Posted 24 January 2023
PSHB Tree Management at Hyde Park
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will be treating trees infected by the Polyphagous shot-hole borer at Hyde Park in Feburary.
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