Lake Macquarie councillors claimed the community was mostly on board with the decision.

Under its Toronto Streetscape Master Plan, the council proposed removal of the trees that line Toronto's main street, The Boulevarde.

A report indicated the trees had damaged surrounding footpaths and buildings.

The matter was deferred twice for community consultation.

The council received substantial feedback, including a 1000-signature petition against the trees' removal.

At last week's meeting, councillors voted unanimously to remove the trees.

However, they remarked it had been less of an up-hill battle than the one Newcastle council fought last year.

Councillor Barney Langford thought Lake Macquarie council had handled the delicate issue well.

"It was dealt with much better here," Cr Langford said.

"We have about 70 per cent of the community on board, because we went out and did extensive consultation with them. The buck stops with us."

Councillor Rosmairi Dawson said removal of the trees saved ratepayers from costly repair bills.

She said each tree would be replaced with four to six trees over a long period of time.