Mystery of metal tree solved

Locals have been scratching their heads (and a few conspiracy theories have blossomed) over the sudden appearance of a concrete and metal tree in Hunter Park at Avoca Beach.

But following an appeal from Avoca Beach Community Association, Central Coast Council has laid the mystery to rest.

An Association spokesperson said residents had been wondering if the structure was a modern art statement, a secret alien communication tower or perhaps the world’s least shady tree.

But it is actually part of Council’s Community Memorial Tree Project, developed to provide a respectful and consistent way for people to commemorate loved ones in public spaces.

A Council spokesperson said the trees provide an option with minimal maintenance, low environmental impact and are a respectful, modern option to traditional memorials.

“It also provides a perpetual record for future generations as we record each plaque in Council’s cemeteries register,” Council said.

The initiative came about to counter illegal plaques being installed in public locations which were a safety or maintenance risk or in inappropriate locations.  

Memorial seats require significant maintenance resources and are relatively high cost, with multiple applications not always able to be approved due to their location. 

Council sought to find a solution that meant anyone was able to purchase a ‘plaque’ and have it installed, with tree locations spread across the Local Government Area.

Council teams selected Memorial Tree locations by assessing where the requests for seats and plaques predominantly came from, and where there were concerns about illegal plaques being installed.

Sites were also assessed for land type, usage, zoning and appropriateness.

Community input was sought through stalls at the Seniors Expo and other cemeteries events to collect suggestions for locations. 

A Public Notice was also placed on Council’s website.

Trees have been placed at Koolewong, North Entrance, Kanwal, Mannering Park, Kariong, East Gosford and Avoca Beach. 

Five more are planned to be installed in this financial year, with assessments on possible sites to be made and community consultation to be invited, probably in February.

“Each tree is constructed of marine grade stainless steel and has 348 temporary, recyclable leaves which are replaced with inscribed bronze plaques as they are purchased,” Council said.

“Each memorial leaf costs $940, including the space on the tree, the bronze inscribed plaque and installation.

“The cost also includes all administration, future maintenance and all project costs (footings, installation etc).”  

Central Coast is the first council to deliver the Community Memorial Tree concept, with numerous other councils investigating the option.

Central Coast Council was a finalist in the Local Government Excellence Awards 2024 for the project.

Council has advised that signage will be installed in the coming weeks to explain the tree’s purpose to curious passersby.

A spokesperson said Avoca Beach Community Association was surprised that Council proceeded with the installation without community consultation.

“There are alternative locations in the town that might be considered more appropriate for quiet contemplation and remembrance of lost loved ones than Hunter Park,” they said.

Council said it had been contacted by the Association regarding concerns about the location of the Hunter Park tree.

“Staff members will be talking with them over the coming weeks about options,” Council said.

For all information and to purchase a plaque, contact Council’s Cemeteries team on 4350 5108 or cemeteries@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Information will also be available on Council’s website in the coming weeks.