Tree fate depends on scan
PALM Cove’s giant paperbark tree will probably remain at the holiday destination's beachfront at least until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cairns Regional Council has confirmed it is unable to remove the enormous melaleuca tree, which has been growing on the corner of French St and Williams Esplanade, until a scan of the tree can be carried out by an independent assessor.
The broad-leaved paperbark, estimated to be more than 400 years old, has been measured to have a circumference of 8.5m and height of 28m, and is considered a record breaker among its species.
It has been targeted for removal by the council, after it was found to have an extensive fungal infestation.
The council has spent more than $50,000 over the past 15 years trying to extend the life of the tree, with recent scans last year showing the disease to be quite advanced.
A council spokesman said it was awaiting approval for a contractor, based in Melbourne, to travel to Cairns to carry out further testing of the tree using tomographic scans.
Further scanning was recommended by an independent arborist hired by the council earlier this year, after locals protested about its removal.
“If it becomes apparent that the contractor will not gain permission to travel to Cairns in the near future, council may … undertake some safety remedial works, such as trimming branches, which were also recommended in the arborist’s report,” the spokesman said.
Palm Cove is famous for its beachfront melaleucas, and photos appear regularly on social media of people posing with the giant paperbark.
BLANK walls have become the perfect canvas for Port Douglas artist Kate Cooper.
Bright murals done freehand by Ms Cooper have added colour to schools across the region.
While some of her work showcases the Douglas Shire’s breathtaking environment, some work focuses on a specific theme for schoolchildren.
“Some of the messages are around cultural awareness, bullying and autism,” Ms Cooper said.
“The murals can just be to add some colour and brightness but with my art children can learn about certain things.
“The colour can brighten people’s day and the kids really enjoy art.”
Ms Cooper does all her murals freehand and on average it takes her about 10 days, over a few weeks, to complete.
Her latest piece is a rainforest theme in the office of Port Explorers Cooya Beach.
“I just wanted to brighten the place up and bring about a calm feel to the centre,” she said.