The decision to remove them follows the collapse of one tree on the lake’s island on December 18, forcing the council to block off access over safety concerns.

A full arborist report was commissioned to assess any further safety risks and it found that the tree that fell, as well as the other trees, were affected by wet rot. 

The trees were removed without incident and no damage was done to any surrounding infrastructure.

“Council will now work on a landscaping plan to replant the island and we’d really appreciate feedback from the community on how they would like to see the area look,” Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison.