General News
3 December, 2024
Div. 1 councillor steps in and saves historic fig tree
A FIG tree on death row at Gordonvale has been saved.
Following a campaign by resident Magda Solly, the Cairns Regional Council has decided the tree will be retained, pruned and managed to prevent damage to property.
Cr Brett Moller (Div. 1) said the council, after feedback from the community, had now confirmed that the large fig tree causing issues at the Gordonvale Hospital in Highleigh Rd was a tree of significance.
Ms Solly told Cairns Local News last week that the tree was one of 10 planted in 1937 to mark the coronation of King George V1.
Cr Moller said, as a result, and with further discussion with the Gordonvale Hospital manager, agreement had been reached to keep the tree, involving a careful management plan.
“Currently we plan to prune the tree to reduce the spread to more like a canopy lift,” he said.
“The hospital side is out of balance with the road side where Ergon has kept the canopy away from the power lines.
“(The) council will also look to install two sections of root barrier where roots have already grown underneath the footpaths and reached the buildings.
“There is a small section of fence repair (the) council plans to undertake and when completed the hospital will then replace the rest of the fence.
“I am pleased to see this win-win outcome and appreciate the feedback (the) council received from the community to be able to have this tree retained.”
Ms Solly said she appreciated the efforts of the newspaper and Cr Moller.
