The tree was removed as part of a new landscaping plan and car parking layout for the shopping centre.

The City of Victor Harbor approved the new landscaping plan that included removing the tree back in February 2007.

City of Victor Harbor CEO Graeme Maxwell said that although the approval was made, the council was just as surprised to learn of the removal of the old tree.

"It wasn't obvious in the plans," which he also labelled "not well documented".

"We've only just come to the realisation process ourselves," he said.

Mr Maxwell also said that loss of the tree was somewhat unexpected but, "the community has been made aware of the plans to redevelop the site."

This has done nothing to quell the anger of local residents upon seeing the pine become nothing more than sawdust.

"It's a shame to see a tree like that one fall in a big heap," Local Gavin Smith said.

Currently a volunteer with Trees for Life, Gavin was very disappointed upon seeing the tree fall.

"How many trees like that have been in the town for so long?" he asked.

Gavin said that the removal of trees for development had become far too common.

"Concrete boxes seem to be replacing tress all over the state these days".

Steve Newland and his daughter, who live on Leworthy Road close to where the pine used to stand, mirrored the feelings of disappointment expressed by other residents.

"Its really sad to see it go".

Steve said that the fact that the tree was in an "area of significance," lying metres away from an the old post which was used by a local doctor to tie up horses and now has a commemorative plaque on it, made the loss even more difficult to bear.

Residents are also questioning whether or not further trees around the shopping complex will fall in the name of progress.

Contrary to popular belief, the old gum tree that lived next to the pine will not be cut down, becoming a part of the new car park layout.

The Peppercorn tress behind the old school building will also be staying, however further 'cuts' are expected to be made on Hill Street to make way for an exit/entrance point to a proposed underground parking facility.

Substantial work is not expected to be made to the shopping complex until the court case with Big W is resolved.

Victor Central management was unable to comment when contacted by The Times due to the court case.