Koolunga has rows of tall pine trees which stand proud above its open spaces, and give Koolunga an atmosphere of sounds and sensations that are unique amongst all the remaining open spaces in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. When they spore in the spring , the display is almost magical.  They also provide roosts for the local population of endangered powerful owls and a food source for our impressive yellow-tailed black cockatoos.

For the residents around Koolunga, they are an important link to our history. They are the descendants of the pine trees that were planted over 100 years ago in the daffodil and boronia farm which led to the founding of our suburb of Boronia, where they grew as windbreaks bordering the flower fields to protect the flowers from the weather. Some have been removed, but many still stand, along the old lines of the windbreaks where they first sprouted, over 65 years ago, and continue to provide shelter to the undulating and grassy open spaces where flowers once grew.

The pine trees are special to Koolunga and should remain part of its future. At recent community consultations, the retention of the pines and development of a plan for their future replacement as they decline was regarded as a prime objective by the community. A group of residents undertook research to examine the historical significance of Koolunga’s pine trees, and have provided a report to Council demonstrating why they should be retained and eventually, when they die, should be replaced by similar trees.

The report is here : Koolunga & Daffodil Farm history (web)

If you too would like to see the pine tees retained and replaced by similar trees, to keep Koolunga’s special atmosphere and history for the future, please write to the Manager Community Infrastructure, Knox City Council, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, VIC 3152, or email OpenSpace@knox.vic.gov.au