Claret Ash trees on Gavan Street in Bright reach end of life

These trees are the responsibility of DTP, who will remove the trees over several days starting on Tuesday, 10 November 2026 to remove the hazard.

The Claret Ash trees have been found to be showing signs of a chronic and fatal fungus known as ash dieback, which is known to cause the death of ash trees worldwide. 

Once the trees have been removed safely, Council will replace them with an avenue of Autumn Blaze Maples, a fast-growing, deciduous tree that will integrate with the existing streetscape to maintain a consistent, attractive avenue.

Council will also take this opportunity to further beautify the streetscape by planting new garden beds underneath the new maples.

Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said that the demise of the Claret Ash is a reminder that trees are living organisms that are susceptible to disease with varying lifespans.

"We have been alerted to the health of this particular avenue of trees by members of the public as well as DTP," she said.

"Although removal of trees can be emotive, we have been monitoring them to ensure that action is taken before the dieback increases safety risks for people living in or visiting our region.

"Thankfully, the ash dieback cannot affect the adjacent Japanese Cedar or Crepe Myrtle trees along Gavan Street, so these will continue to form part of the avenue.

"Once the Claret Ashes are removed safely, our teams will immediately plant a new avenue of Autumn Blaze Maples, which should be beautiful all year round.

"Not only that, they will also replace existing irrigation, establish new grass, and plant new garden beds along the median strip to create and maintain the beautiful streetscapes that Alpine Shire is known for."

Residents and visitors are asked to observe changed traffic conditions during the removal and replacement period.