Ancient Moreton Bay fig tree stands in the way of historic Wellington Point farm subdivision

A 250-year-old Moreton Bay fig is standing in the way of a housing project proposed for historic farmland on Brisbane’s bayside. WATCH THE VIDEO

It has been called a developer’s dilemma, a 250-year-old Moreton Bay fig is standing in the way of a housing project on historic farmland on Brisbane’s bayside.

The 15m tree, which has a 32m canopy, takes up a third of the Edie Tce, Wellington Point block developers want to cut up for three housing lots.

But a Redland City Council covenant protects the tree from being moved or cut down.

Arborist Chris Proctor of Brighton’s Loraxe Timber and Trees said it would not likely be financially viable to move the tree and believed it probably started taking root about the same time Captain Cook was setting sail for the southern seas in 1772.

An approximately 250-year-old Moreton Bay fig tree is standing in the way of a housing project on historic farmland on Brisbane’s bayside. The 15m tree, which has a 32m canopy, takes up a third of a block which developers want to cut up for three housing lots. Picture: Supplied

“It’s impossible to know exactly how old the tree is just by looking at it but there was a similar type of tree at the Carmelite Monastery in Ormiston which was dated as nearly 400 years old,” he said.

“This tree is not as large as the Ormiston fig so I estimate it to be about 250 years old.

“It must be protected as it would take a long time to replace.”

Arborist Chris Proctor said the tree was about 250 years old. Picture: Supplied

Under the covenant, developers cannot encroach on a 614 sqm area around the tree, which takes up a third of the 2027 sqm block.

They are planning how to site the proposed three housing blocks of 594 sqm, 612 sqm and 819 sqm without affecting the tree and retaining a century-old farm house.

The covenant in pink covering the ancient tree and the old farm house site. Picture: Supplied

Redland City Division one councillor, Wendy Boglary, said the tree was an iconic part of Wellington Point.

“Before this area was developed, this tree and the historic house, looked out across the farm to Waterloo Bay and could see all the way up to Moreton Island,” she said.

“The developers are respectful of the tree which they know cannot be touched.”

Neighbour Peter Camden said other trees in the area had been poisoned. Picture: Supplied

Neighbours said the tree was home to many native animals, birds and bats and should not be moved.

It is believed the property was once owned by former Redland Shire Council chairman Dick Wood, who was Queensland’s Land Commissioner in 1939 before moving to Wellington Point as a small crops farmer from 1952 to 1966.

Mr Wood served on the council from 1958 and was chairman from 1961 and a member of the council for seven consecutive terms.

The tree from the air showing its canopy. Picture: Supplied

Next-door neighbour Peter Camden said the tree was significant and was part of Wellington Point’s identity.

“It’s a significant tree and we do not want to lose this valuable piece of history that provides refuge for hundreds of animals,” he said.

“It must be protected unlike other trees on Redland’s coastline which were illegally poisoned overnight.”

Redland City Council will assess whether the subdivision encroaches on the tree but the project does not need an impact assessment.

Originally published as Ancient Moreton Bay fig tree stands in the way of historic Wellington Point farm subdivision