To help sell this message, Lake Macquarie City Council released an artist's impression of how The Boulevarde might look if the full raft of improvements is implemented.

Among planned changes are extensive landscaping, lighting and paving, and the addition of street furniture, public art spaces, drinking fountains and bicycle racks.

The proposed works are part of council's Streetscape Master Plan for Toronto.

Council hosted information sessions about the masterplan on Saturday and last night.

While the move to remove the trees split the community, a row also developed over the council's commitment to community consultation on the issue.

Toni Lorentzen, of Fennell Bay, told The Newcastle Herald that the council did not respond to a request for a speaker to present an alternative point of view at last night's information session.

"I feel like the decision has already been made and the session is to explain the decision," she said.

In September, Ms Lorentzen submitted a petition to the council with 1031 signatures on it calling for more consultation on the bid to chop down the trees. The petition won unanimous support from councillors.

Council has defended its record on community consultation on the matter.

City projects manager Adam Wakeman said they had already acted on community input.

"Council heard the community's concerns during our consultation in July and have since amended the master plan," Mr Wakeman said.

Among the amendments made to The Boulevarde tree replacement plan are the replanting of mature trees, the removal of trip hazards to improve pedestrian access, and retaining the date palms, he said.

The master plan identifies the fig trees as a primary constraint in transforming The Boulevarde.

It says the trees' presence impacts on pedestrian amenity and footpaths, constricting available space and blocking views of the lake.

The trees have damaged underground services for several years, and there is no practical solution to the problems caused by the trees' root systems and canopies, the master plan noted.

The plan proposes replacing the existing nine fig trees with more than 40 trees in engineered tree pits.

The replacement trees would be native evergreens of five or six metres when planted.

Removing trees on the northern side of the street would open up views of the lake and west to the Watagans.

The master plan includes the creation of spaces for art and street activities such as outdoor dining, busking and street parties.

Council extended the public consultation period until Monday, November 4.

■ Have your say online at lakemac.com.au/toronto