Barangaroo walkway to be shaded by exotic trees classified as weeds in Australia

Divisive: An impression of the Barangaroo Central Waterfront Promenade with the disputed trees.

Sydney's landscape architects are up in arms about the a decision to plant more than 100 American honey locust trees along the western promenade at Barangaroo a species that has been classified as a weed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

The NSW chapter of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects has written to the Premier, Mike Baird, asking him to intervene to stop the planting of the avenue of honey locusts, also known as Gleditsiatriacanthos. The planting is imminent.

"This is just such a significant site. This project really should reflect the character of Sydney and Sydney Harbour. It is a chance to showcase our wonderful native species," James Grant, president of the Institute and principal at JMD Design said.

"It will be used by thousands of tourists. A beautiful fig or an angophora would be a much better choice. Using species that are classified as weeds sends absolutely the wrong signal," he said.

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While the Headland Park at the tip of Barangaroo is being planted with native plants selected because they are indigenous to the Sydney Harbour region, the walkway that runs from the edge of the office area in South Barangaroo will be shaded by honey locusts.

The trees, native to America, have straight trunks and dark green, relatively light foliage. They are also deciduous, unlike most native species.

The Barangaroo Delivery Authority told Fairfax Media its choice of trees for the high profile promenade had been based on the design briefs established by world-renowned landscape architect, Peter Walker of PWP, based in California. The brief required that the tree species"emphasise the civic contrast between the foreshore promenade and the naturalistic planting of Barangaroo Point and to suit the western foreshore locations. It also specified deciduousness, which ruled out most native species.

"Selection of the trees was by PWP working with a local expert horticulturist," a spokesman for the BDA said.

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Barangaroo walkway to be shaded by exotic trees classified as weeds in Australia