Not sure I agree about the desert thing, when I came out in 88" there were very few streets with avenues of trees, parks were pretty barren, since then the local councils (yes folks we've got two.....though not for much longer!) have carried out massive plantings programs, and the result is a much greener looking city, and its streets.
Nor would I classify those trees as significant (if they are the ones indicated in red), they do provide increased amenity values along that strech of footpath, but the species mix is dominated by exotics and the clearance pruning over decades has destroyed the form and structure of their canopies.
Hopefully the council will have required the developer to landscape the entire length of that street.
Just out of interest I have highlighted in yellow the trees on the site that could be regarded as significant...the single fig planted to provide shade for railway workers et the end of three workshop sheds..this tree will doubtless be trashed (if not already) and the mangrove along the estuary edge, again i fear will be ripped out as the canals are created....oh lovely another Varsity Lakes (though admitedly without the clown trees!)