Work has commenced this morning on removing eight overgrown Veitchia Merrilla palms from Port Village Shopping Centre amid safety concerns.

Centre management said the decision was made after long deliberation, but erred on the side of caution to ensure the safety of their patrons.

"As much as these palms are part of the image of Port Village Shopping Centre and Macrossan Street, we regretfully must adopt a community first attitude towards their removal," management said in a statement.

Local companies Papillon Landscapes and MPDT will undertake the removal of the palms and rejuvenate the area with new palms.

"We have engaged the services of local company Papillon Landscapes to ensure their replacement is professional and with the new palms we will continue the beautiful streetscape the overgrown palms were part of.

“We trust the Port Douglas community will understand the need to have these palms replaced and assure all of our patrons that we will continue to maintain the gardens in the centre to the highest standard possible”.

Council has reportedly agreed with the decision to remove the palms.