General News
27 November, 2024
Tree’s reprieve
PLANS to chop down an 87-year-old fig tree at Gordonvale have been put on hold as Cairns Regional Council investigates its history.
The tree in Highleigh Rd has damaged a Gordonvale Hospital fence and encroached onto the footpath and kerb and channelling.
The council was in the process of having the tree removed until Cr Brett Moller (Div. 1) was made aware of the tree’s history.
According to an extract from the Cairns Post on Tuesday, May 18, 1937, 10 trees were planted at the front of the hospital, including the fig, to mark the coronation of King George VI, to “not only serve to eliminate dust from the street, but provide shade and beauty to the hospital”.
A nearby resident, Magda Solly, said she was advocating that the tree remain and be managed by the council.
She said she had spoken to a council arborist, who had told her the issues about the tree were “not insurmountable”.
Ms Solly said there did not appear to be much damage to the fence and the roots had actually created kerbing next to the road.
She said there were concerns that dementia patients could get out through the damage to the fence.
“I can’t see any gaps in the fence where patients with dementia can get out,” she said.
“The tree roots provide the kerbing and soak up excess water.
“The council arborist states a boardwalk access type could be built over the roots.
“Roots affecting the foundations can be remediated, according to the arborist, without the loss of the tree and not affecting the sewerage.”
Ms Solly said the tree provided a beautiful canopy.
“It’s been here through every cyclone (since 1937) and probably protected the (hospital) building,” she said.
“Two years ago the council was here cutting dead wood out. Obviously it has been regularly assessed and they keep making it safe.
“Why are they taking down a hardy tree?”
Ms Solly said a replacement tree would not provide the same canopy cover.
Cr Moller said Queensland Health had complained to the council about damage to the hospital fence and there were also problems with the root system damaging the footpath and kerb and channelling.
“It was deemed that this very large fig tree (Ficus ‘Benjamina’ tree) was not suitable for this location and would need to be replaced by a more appropriate non-invasive species,” he said.
“As our protocol requires, a notice for public notification was erected and recently (the) council received information about possible historical significance of the tree planting.
“As a result, (the) council has ceased the removal process to investigate any historical significance and will look to deal with the tree appropriately in recognition of such significance,” Cr Moller said.
