Coogee’s Norfolk Pine could become its Christmas tree after council investigation

Randwick City Council will investigate decorating Coogee Beach’s iconic Norfolk Pine as the suburb’s Christmas tree, replacing the temporary tree traditionally installed by council during the annual Christmas period.

Councillors Martin and Hamilton moved the proposal at the council’s ordinary meeting on 28 July, and it was carried as Resolution 190/26. The resolution directs staff to investigate whether the Norfolk Pine can be decorated as “Coogee’s Christmas Tree”.

The resolution does not approve the seasonal display. It also does not set a budget, installation date or final design.

The Norfolk Pine proposal is tied specifically to Coogee Beach and would replace the temporary Christmas tree traditionally installed there. Council has not yet decided what decorations would be used or whether the display would proceed.

Residents and visitors will have an opportunity to comment on a potential new seasonal public display once more is known about its feasibility. The investigation will consider whether decorating the Norfolk Pine can be carried out as part of the annual Christmas period, but the resolution does not specify the scope of the work or when staff must report back.

The proposal was one of several beach-related matters considered by Randwick City Council on 28 July. Councillors also requested a review of professional lifeguard services at Coogee Beach, including professional lifeguard capacity, additional staffing and a possible 6am patrol trial.

Council also requested an audit of multilingual public-safety signage at council-managed beaches and coastal reserves. A future report is to cover replacement needs, options and costs, as well as a multicultural QR code.

The Norfolk Pine investigation is separate from those beach-safety reviews. Until council considers the outcome, the temporary Christmas tree remains the display traditionally installed at Coogee Beach. No replacement has been approved.