As parents, we all want our children to play and explore in safe environments, especially in the local parks where they spend so much of their time. However, a recent discovery at a children's park on Sydney's Northern Beaches has raised serious safety concerns among the community.

Residents of Freshwater were delighted with the new children's play area that was recently installed at the reserve behind the beach. The equipment was a hit, but joy turned to worry when attention was drawn to a looming hazard: a large, rotting palm tree perilously close to where children play.


Over the weekend, a concerned mother took to social media to voice her fears. 'Nothing to whinge about the new Freshwater playground, but who do we whinge to at council to prevent this rotten palm tree landing on someone’s head?' she asked. Her post quickly garnered attention, with many echoing her concerns about the tree's potential to cause harm due to its proximity to the play area.


The community's outcry was a mix of disbelief and urgency. 'Holy CRAP! Seriously? That's due to DROP [at] any time! Someone's family will be SUING. This is a joke, council, get off your butts,' one woman commented, highlighting the legal and moral implications of inaction. 'Yeah, that's worth whinging about,' a man agreed, while another simply stated, 'That needs reporting.'


Thankfully, the Northern Beaches Council was quick to respond to the concerns. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokeswoman confirmed that the council had plans to remove the dangerous tree and replace it with two new palms. 'This will take place this week sometime,' they assured.

The spokesperson also shed light on a broader issue affecting the area: a fungus prevalent in the soil at the reserve, which has a detrimental impact on palm trees. The council reportedly conducts regular inspections to identify and remove affected palms as needed.

This incident at Freshwater is not an isolated case. Sick trees and their potential safety risks are a common challenge for local councils across New South Wales. In a similar vein, a Sydney man from Mortdale found himself in a dispute with the council over a sick gum tree that straddled his property and council land. The tree, which regularly dropped branches and was suffering from a fungal infection, posed a threat to public safety. The homeowner, Billy, expressed his concern that the tree might 'fall onto someone and kill them' but faced liability issues due to its location.


These situations underscore the importance of vigilance and community advocacy when it comes to public safety. As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the value of speaking up and ensuring that our local spaces are not only enjoyable but also secure for our grandchildren and the wider community.

We encourage you to report any similar hazards you might encounter in your local parks to the council. It's also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your council's policies on tree management and public safety. By staying informed and proactive, we can help protect our loved ones and maintain the beauty and safety of our cherished public spaces.
Have you or someone you know ever encountered a similar issue with potentially dangerous trees or other hazards in public areas? Share your experiences and how they were resolved in the comments below. Let's keep the conversation going to ensure our parks remain safe havens for fun and play.