Historic Edge Hill fig tree saved from the axe

A historic tree in Edge Hill has been granted an 11th hour reprieve from a council blade after a decision was made to treat the tree rather than cut it down.

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AN HISTORIC tree in Edge Hill may have been granted an 11th hour reprieve from a council blade after a decision was made to treat the tree rather than cut it down.

A petition was launched to save what is believed to be a 100-year-old fig tree on Collins Avenue after Cairns Regional Council told residents it had been targeted for removal.

Edge Hill resident Louise Kennedy is part of the residents group who have been pushing to save the iconic shade tree.

She said council had told residents the tree had been targeted for removal because of a fungus infestation.

“They maintain that the tree has got a fungus and that they are going to try and treat the fungus,” she said.

It was previously thought the tree was going to be cut down to make way for a roundabout.

A petition was launched by resident Mary Venables but has since been withdrawn after hearing that council plans to treat the tree.

“The consensus seems to be the tree does have a fungus and needs treatment.”

Council confirmed an action plan had been initiated to save the tree.

Nell Venables and her daughters Neve Ireland 5 and Willow Walker 6 in front of the big fig tree on Collins Ave St Edge Hill that is infected with fungus and may have to be removed. PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

General Manager Infrastructure Services Bruce Gardiner said the tree is exhibiting signs of stress including significant leaf loss.

“Arborists have assessed the tree and agree with initial assessments that it is infected with a pathogenic fungal infestation,” he said.

“Samples of the fungus have been taken for analysis but there is currently no known cure for trees affected by this particular fungus. Whilst Council would prefer not to remove this significant tree, it is likely to fail in the future and given its location where there is high traffic volume, removal may be the only option.

“Council will continue to investigate other options to ascertain whether the tree can be saved. In the event that the tree cannot be saved a suitable replacement tree will be planted,” Mr Gardiner said.

There were plans to build a roundabout at the intersection, Mr Gardiner said.

Originally published as Historic Edge Hill fig tree saved from the axe