Newcastle Council is hoping to save a century-old Port Jackson fig tree which was set to be chopped down, after a branch fell recently.
The large branch induced fears the tree was beginning to die and would typically be removed but after closer inspection by expert arborists, it will instead be saved through an intricate cabling system to keep it stable.
The cabling system is expected to be installed later this month, including a small fence and garden beneath the tree's drip line, transforming it into a feature of the park.
Council is hopeful the restoration of the fig tree will extend it's life by an extra 20 years and continue the parks reputation as a historic landmark.
Councillor Carol Duncan says a younger tree will also be planted close by to ensure the continuity of the tree canopy in decades to come.
She also says maintaining the parks heritage and historic flora is crucial to protect local fauna.
"Preserving Gregson Park's trees is important because they not only hold sentimental value to us, they also provide habitat for native wildlife such as the threatened Grey-headed Flying Fox.
The park is also under development as part of the Gregson Park Masterplan which will be put forward to the Newcastle community in the near future.
The damaged Port Jackson fig tree in Gregson Park
Councilor Carol Duncan and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes inspecting the damaged fig
