Residents fear 30m tall tree will be bulldozed to make way for a 15 storey unit tower

First they tried to stop the 45m tall unit development going ahead – now a group of residents are taking on the same multi-million developer in a bid to save a 120-year-old, 30m tall fig tree.

Woody Point residents fear Traders in Purple are about to bulldoze a 120-year-old fig tree to make way for a 45m tall unit tower, which is yet to get the tick of approval from the courts.

The 30m tall tree sits on the site of the former Palace Hotel at Gayundah Esplanade Woody Point, north of Brisbane.

Traders in Purple hope to knock down the tree to make way for a 15 storey 158-unit tower and 13 two-bedroom townhouses.

The development was approved by Moreton Bay Regional Council late last year, despite residents’ objections.

Woody Point Action Group members are fighting to save a 120-year-old fig tree from being bulldozed by a developer. Picture: Supplied

Woody Point Action Group lodged an appeal against the development with the Planning and Environment Court.

Residents’ main concerns were loss of lifestyle, traffic and the fact the development is more than double the height recommended under the council’s planning scheme.

Group president Derek Catterall says they were still waiting on a decision to be handed down by the judge.

DEVELOPMENTS CHANGING THE FACE OF REDCLIFFE

Derek Catterall and other neighbours of the development site bounded by Kate Street, Lilla Street, and Gayundah Esplanade in Woody Point in November 2019 Picture: Richard Walker/AAP

Mr Catterall, who lives behind the proposed development, said the tree was part of the region’s history.

“WPAG had tried to get the tree listed as ‘significant’ with council, but was told by the Strategic Planning and Place Making Team Leader that this complicated process could take several years,” he said.

“We don’t have several years, as (Traders in Purple) has already been given the go ahead by council to build the Gold Coast-style high-rise towers,” he said.

“Apparently the development approval did not require the tree, which is an important food source for native birds, flying foxes and butterflies, to be retained.”

The development site bounded by Kate Street, Lilla Street, and Gayundah Esplanade in Woody Point in November 2019. Picture: Richard Walker/AAP

Mr Catterall said WPAG members had met with Division six Councillor Karl Winchester asking him to investigate options to either save or relocate the tree.

“It’s also ironic that a magnificent tree of this age, size, and historical significance is directly

opposite the Woody Point Arboretum and yet is earmarked to be destroyed,” he said.

Mr Catterall said the magnificent tree could be seen from many residences and streets of the southern area of Woody Point including the foreshore at Crockatt Park, the Woody Point Jetty and Gayundah Lookout.

“It’s so substantial it can even be seen above the skyline from the beaches at Clontarf,” he

said.

A concept image of the proposed 45m tall unit complex Traders in Purple hope to build at Woody Point. Picture: PD Online/Rothelowman.

Mr Catterall said an Eco Arboriculture Australia report found that this type of tree could live

to 500 years of age and, with regular maintenance, could be retained for future generations

and the local habitat.

The report also stated a vegetation protection order should be placed on the tree and heritage listed with the Council as it was a natural asset to the entire area.

“No real price tag could be placed on this entire specimen,” it said.

“When we take into consideration the wildlife this tree alone supports, if removed, it would impact the local ecosystems dramatically.”