Safety reasons spell end for tree
AFTER a stay of execution earlier this year, a massive paperbark tree at Palm Cove’s William Esplanade will be removed over two days.
Cairns Regional Council is expected to close sections of the Esplanade and French St today and tomorrow during a complicated operation to remove the towering melaleuca.
Over the past 15 years, the council has spent more than $50,000 to extend the tree’s lifespan.
Councillor Brett Olds said the decision to take down the tree was made in the interest of public safety.
“It is terribly sad,” Cr Olds said. “Eighty per cent of the interior of the tree is completely rotten and there is 40-50 tonnes of tree sitting above it.
“The skinny part of the tree is where the weight is on.
“You wouldn’t want your kids playing under this tree in your yard.”
The tree had been condemned in January but further expert opinion and community feedback was sought before this week’s decision.
“Because it was so iconic, we wanted to consult with the community,” Cr Olds said.
The latest survey highlighted the urgency of the operation.
“Because of the rapid spread of the fungus, it was decided to act quickly,” Cr Olds said.
Cr Olds shared notes with constituents on his Facebook page, including the progression of the rot from 2017 until now, with the fungus and decay “continuing to impact upon the structural integrity of the basal area”.
Cr Olds said five independent arborists had assessed the tree’s health.
“There has been a lot of consultation since January,” he said. “Not one person wants to see the tree come down, no one is happy about it,”
Earlier decisions to remove the tree were met with local backlash, but Cr Olds said feedback had been overwhelmingly supportive this time around.