Shaping the future with old wood

Tractor carrying a large tree trunk

Council's timber repurposing program began in 2020 from a simple idea: take discarded wood and give it new life.

We began with trees that had fallen or had been damaged during storms, finding practical and creative ways to use this resource. Previously they had been discarded or chipped for garden mulch.

More recently, we've worked with North East Link and the Level Crossing Removal Authority to use trees felled during construction of these major projects.

What had been considered waste is now being turned into furniture, sculptures and nature play elements in Banyule's playgrounds and parks. The timber also makes great habitat logs in our bushland reserves. Even the sawdust from timber milling is used in local community gardens.

Our Urban Forestry and Open Space Planning teams work together to find and use the timber. The program also brings together local artists, environmentalists, landscapers, timber millers and community groups who have a common interest in the shared goal of renewal.

Our timber repurposing program shows that with creativity, ingenuity, and care, the past can shape the future in beautiful, sustainable ways.

Gallery

An excavator carrying a tree trunk from a grassy bushland with various trees in the area

Trunk carried by an excavator

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Crafted street furniture bench seat made from timber and steel, with the seat base resembling a large timber beam paired with a seat back that has an organic finish, featuring the natural knots and intricacies of the source tree that was repurposed.

Bench seat street furniture

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A stack of 6 large timber beams of various lengths raised off the ground on top of a plinth and resting against a brick wall serving a dual purpose, as a visual feature part of the landscaping and also a rest spot to sit

Landscape feature and seat

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A playground in a local park, with repurposed tree trunks cut up to create steps for children to balance over as part of a nature play space.

Playspace steps

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Multiple tree trunks raising up from the ground at various heights with artistic bird carvings cut out, detailed and painted

Carved playspace features - 3 birds

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Repurposed tree trunks laying horizontally to create a balance beam, cut logs as steps and taller trunks raising up from the ground with moulded finger holds/grips for children to balance, step and climb as part of a nature play space.

Multi-purpose nature playspace

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