Gympie council lays out future of iconic Mary St leopard trees

The cost of replacing two iconic leopard trees in the city’s main street has been revealed as questions continue to swirl about Gympie council’s controversial decision and what will happen to the trees that still stand in the main street.

Mary St’s remaining leopard trees will remain untouched for the immediate future, with Gympie council revealing the controversial replacement of two in August cost more than $21,000.

CEO Shane Gray said this week the council intended to address known problems with the remaining trees, but “no immediate plans” existed for any more replacements.

He did not confirm how many were on the to-do list.

“At this point there is no agenda or time frame on how many ‘need’ to be replaced,” Mr Gray said.

The removal of two trees outside the Mia Bella jewellery store in late August created a rift in the community.

Mary St trader Tony Goodman was critical of the council’s decision and unsuccessfully fought for the trees to stay, and the council’s decision – and its explanations of it – have come under scrutiny.

Mr Gray did not respond to questions about the criticism.

Council CEO Shane Gray said problems caused by the leopard trees in Mary St had been known and investigated by the council for more than a decade.

The trees were a long-identified problem on the street and had been on the council’s radar for more than a decade.

“As discussed by council the trees have been of concern and addressed by previous councils and identified as an issue since about 2005,” Mr Gray said.

“Council does intend to address the issues.

“We are developing a program to replace the trees in a considered manner.

Mary St businessman Tony Goodman was among those who fought for the two destroyed trees to stay.

“Plans were developed by council 10 years ago and we are in the process of reviewing and developing plans that focus on the areas of greatest need.”

The two trees removed in August were taken out as they were damaging electrical lighting, paths and underground infrastructure, Mr Gray said.

The cost of the August removal, which included planting new trees - teddy bear trees, - electrical repairs and traffic control was $21,632.