Community concern after 156 trees marked in Thomas Jack Park

Dalby residents are urged to remain calm after a series trees in TJ Park with pink dots on them were suspected of being marked for removal. Find out about the markings here.

Thomas Jack Park Dalby. Picture: Sam Turner

The Western Downs Regional Council have confirmed a series of painted trees in Thomas Jack Park are not being marked for removal after concerns expressed in a Facebook community group.

A post in the Ask Dalby community chat drew attention to the 156 trees which were marked with pink dots and expressed concern surrounding their removal.

“Are these the trees council intend destroying,” the poster wrote

“At the last council meeting councillors voted to put things on hold yet surveyors have been seen in the park off and on over the last month.

“More than a third of the park looks like it will disappear.”

In September last year the Western Downs Regional Council approved Thomas Jack Park as the preferred location for the centre which they said would act as a ‘community-focused landmark designed to expand opportunities for people to learn, create, discover new ideas, and be inspired.’

Since then a large percentage of the Dalby community has been rallying against the development of a proposed cultural centre in Thomas Jack Park, with calls to preserve the site for ‘recreation and relaxation’.

In April the Western Downs Regional Council voted to take more time to review the location and budget of a future cultural hub in Dalby after a petition with almost 5000 signatures was presented to council.

Mayor Andrew Smith said the trees had not been marked for removal and were part of a survey of the park.

“Council understands there is some concern within the community at the moment in relation to trees being marked in Thomas Jack Park in Dalby,” he said.

“I can confirm that these have not been marked for removal as some suspect, and that the markings are related to a detailed survey of park.

“This survey will assist our team with making operational decisions and provide key information on infrastructure and drainage should Council revitalise the park in the future.

“Council is planning for some great new offerings for Thomas Jack Park to support future generations but will be guided by the community through future engagement with residents.”

The community can provide consultation on the Cultural Hub development at the Western Downs Regional Council’s Have your say website.