Northern Grampians Shire councillor Murray Emmerson said he would estimate the hedge was in place for more than 25 years.

"The Stawell Precincts Plan is a community project which has had an advisory committee in place for about 12 months," he said.

"Part of the process was to obtain community opinion on looking after and making those three areas better.

"Some of the advice which came from a number of meetings was to open the park up a bit more aesthetically."

Cr Emmerson said after consultation with Shire parks and garden staff it was decided the hedge was to be removed.

"It was advised the hedge had seen its time," he said.

"The upgrades go along with the restorations to the gates and when there is money in the budget a restoration will be done on the ticket box."

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