Port Stephens Council approved the Defence department’s application to remove a number of aged trees from the airport.

In a media statement, Defence said the trees were identified as “hazardous to commercial and military aircraft, once the newly extended runway comes into service”.

“Removal of the older trees will provide a safe take-off and landing path for military and civilian aircraft,” the Defence statement said.

“The removal of the trees will also ensure there are no obstructions to radar signals and the continued visibility of landing lights for pilots.”

To offset the removal, the department said it will plant 370 new trees in the area.

The department said by planting the new trees it would be helping to expand the Williamtown koala habitat.

Removal of the older trees will take place on Thursday, September 8.

The new trees will be planted once Defence and Port Stephens Council agreed where to plant them.

Temporary lane closures along Nelson Bay and Medowie roads will be in place for two weeks starting on September 8.

For more information about the road works, phone 1300 333 362 and asking to be connected to the Williamtown RAAF Base.