‘We want a second opinion’: Palm Cove locals’ fury about decision to chop down massive, ancient tree

Cairns Regional Council is set to chop down a massive paperbark tree believed to be at least 400 years old at Palm Cove. Locals are understandably upset.

• Palm Cove paperbarks to be cut down by council
• Tree removal leaves locals barking mad

PALM Cove residents are upset about a Cairns Regional Council decision to chop down one of the holiday destination’s most beloved beachfront trees.

The massive paperbark outside Reef House on the corner of French St and Williams Esplanade is to be chopped down next month, with the council claiming the melaleuca – believed to be at least 400 years old – has serious health issues.

But resident Robyne Fechner questioned the tree’s terminal prognosis and why there were no safety barriers cordoning off the area from pedestrians and passing vehicles.

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Ms Fechner has called for a second opinion from an independent arborist.

“No one’s been informed about this,” she said.

“Every day, hundreds of people sit there having their photo taken with that tree.”

Anagen Hair salon owner Andy Little said the loss of the tree would be devastating for tourism. “Tourist love it, that particular tree,” he said.

“There’s tour buses that come down to look at the tree.

“They all get out, they sit under it.

“They all take photos next to it on the bench there.”

Division 9 councillor Brett Olds said the tree’s removal was unfortunate, but necessary.

“This is a beautiful tree – we love these trees and we know how important they are to the Palm Cove community – and the last thing we want to do is chop it down, but we simply do not have a choice,” Cr Olds said.

“When you look at the tree, there are quite obvious bulges, cavities, decay, disease and wounds from past limb failures visible. This tree has had issues for years.

“It has been condemned several times since 2007, but on each of those occasions council has gone above and beyond, and at significant expense, to save the tree.

“But, unfortunately, nothing more can be done. The time has come and this tree needs to be removed in the interest of public safety.”

The council will replant several new melaleuca trees in the same area to replace the large paperbark.

Originally published as ‘We want a second opinion’: Palm Cove locals’ fury about decision to chop down massive, ancient tree