Residents rally to save beloved tree

CARDWELL residents have rallied to save a 150-year-old tree from the chainsaw.

A removal order was placed on the large calophyllum tree on the foreshore near the Sheridan St boat ramp by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council a week ago.

Cardwell resident Carolyn Mewing said she hoped action yesterday would offer a stay of execution for the tree.

“Everyone is walking past and telling their stories about the tree,” she said.

“It’s just too big and too old and part of our history to take a chainsaw to it.

“We have not read the arborist’s report. We don’t know why the tree has a removal order on it. But the tree looks very healthy, extremely healthy, actually,” she said.

However, the council order posted near the tree says the tree has been deemed unsafe and a replacement tree will be planted following removal.

Ms Mewing said she wanted to know if the arborist was asked if the tree could be saved.

She said community members had suggested remedial work to save the iconic tree they wanted heritage listed.

A prop or a support designed to elevate a large branch on the western side of the tree has been suggested.

Ms Mewing said a group of residents with signs had rallied in order to draw attention to the value the community placed on the iconic landmark.

The council said two arborist reports recommended removal to ensure public safety.

“Testing has been undertaken – highlighting an issue with the trunk on the tension side of the tree, affirming health and risk issues,” a spokeswoman said.