Dune with view ‘illegal’
Yorkeys residents hacked off by pruning
A HUGE ugly sign could be erected at another Cairns beachside suburb after the suspected prolonged illegal removal of native trees from the foreshore.
Concerned residents have gone to Cairns Regional Council to report ongoing clearing of casuarina trees and dune scrub from a 50m length of beach in front of a Deauville Close unit complex at Yorkeys Knob.
New casuarina seedlings have been there one day, gone the next, and the stretch of beachfront has been largely devoid of any tall vegetation for at least a decade.
The council is yet to decide what action to take to rectify the situation – but one large and unsightly option is always on the table.
“Council is aware of the illegal removal of vegetation from the area and is investigating the matter,” a spokesman said. “Council officers, including arborists, conducted a preliminary inspection of the area (a fortnight ago).”
Getting rid of trees might make for better views or access to the beach, but it can have grave environmental consequences.
“The loss of trees, which protect soil through their foliage and roots, can lead to widespread erosion and the increase of sediment run-off into waterways,” the council spokesman said.
“Nutrients and other pollutants attached to these sediments also have the potential to be released in the marine environment and impact coral and seagrass.
“The removal of trees, seedlings and saplings also increase the opportunities for weed invasion and can slow the recovery of a natural ecosystem.”
The likely response will be to erect a conspicuous, view ruining billboard at the site declaring the vegetation’s illegal removal. Such a sign was erected earlier this year at the southern end of Vasey Esplanade at Trinity Beach after a trio of 75-year-old beach almonds were poisoned to death.
The council urged anyone with information to call 1300 692 247.