Group spokesperson, Adrienne van Spanje, said the listing was made on the basis of the historic nature of the trees.

“We have applied to the NSW Heritage Council. These trees have significant historic value and we are hopeful that the trees are placed on the register.

“The listing means the trees’ historical significance needs to be addressed before any action can be taken.

“The listing, hopefully, maintains their preservation.

“These trees were planted as part of sesqui-centenary celebrations and were part of a great wave of nation building that took place in the mid 1937s and 38s.

“The then Hastings Shire Gazette reported that the community was very proud to be able to participate in the tree planting and the community rallied around to purchase the trees.

“As well, we understand that other trees - including jacarandas - were purchased for the third block (closest to the river) but these were eventually removed.

“It is important to remember too that the list of people who made donations for the trees read like a whos who of historic Wauchope family names.”

Ms van Spanje said the group had been told their application had been received and that the Heritage council was ‘well pleased’ with our application.

“We expect our application to be assessed in the near future,” she said.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council was expected to make a decision on the future of the second stand of figs at its meeting last night.

Full report next week’s issue.