After years of persistent complaints from frustrated residents, a controversial beachfront planter box in Coogee was finally removed. The concrete structure at the Arden Street and Coogee Bay Road intersection has caused numerous accidents and has been the subject of countless community grievances.
For at least two years, locals have criticised the planter box, which sometimes housed a tree and others did not—a situation the council attributed to “vandalism.” Drivers frequently reported mounting the blocks surrounding the tree space, leading to multiple instances of vehicle damage.
Many residents questioned the box’s positioning, deeming it “useless” and asking why the council thought the left-hand lane on a busy beachfront road was a suitable location for a tree.
Previously, a Randwick City spokesperson stated that removing the blocks was not an option because trees add much value to an urban environment. However, as time passed, the box became the site of many accidents, with one occurring as recently as last week. The council maintained that the blocks served as a wheel stop for the parking spots in front of them.
Locals, however, argued that it was unsafe. In July, one Coogee resident claimed to have personally heard of three cars that had smashed into it in a single week.
Photos emerged showing contractors paving over the area, giving many locals hope. A council spokesperson said that the box was no longer there. He explained that the tree on Coogee Bay Road had been subject to continual vandalism for several years, forcing the council to replace the tree on six occasions.
The coastal location and condition of the pit also made establishing the tree challenging. Given these ongoing issues, the council removed the tree and the surrounding area.
The news was met with jubilation from eastern suburb residents online. One man commented that putting it there first was a stupid idea and praised the efforts to drive some sense into the council. Another resident expressed relief that the “weird” placement was being rectified.
Others were more cautious, with one local joking that they should be more relaxed as the council might be replacing it with something bigger.
Published Date 26-August-2024
