A proposal to turn a section of the reserve into a public rainforest area was quashed by the Crown Reserves, Community and Commercial Operations Committee on Tuesday.

Councillors and staff were concerned about the implications of residents turning a small area adjacent to houses into what could become a council liability.

The proposal sought to turn a section of the western side of the reserve into an arboretum, however staff deemed the proposed number of plants as an overdevelopment of the site.

“A number of the proposed trees are very large rainforest trees with large canopies,” a report to the committee revealed, which may have a detrimental impact on the reserve and adjoining properties “by extensive root systems seeking water when grown to maturity”.

Council staff were also concerned the proposal may become a cost burden “should the volunteers not be able to continue with the ongoing maintenance during the growing period of the trees”.

The applicants were encouraged by staff to find a more appropriate site for the project, however the residents said it would not be feasible for them.

Recreation planning manager Lila Sawko said the tree management officer assessed the site and found several sections of the reserve had already been planted on, with about 15 trees appearing on the sloping section of the reserve.

Cr John Finkernagel expressed concerns at the possibility of the project becoming council’s responsibility if the residents were to move on.

Cr John Willmott suggested the committee move a recommendation to encourage the applicants to create the arboretum on a more appropriate site.

The committee voted to assess the existing plants to determine if they should remain, with anything unsuitable to be removed and replanted.