Tanawha residents battle it out in tribunal over controversial trees

A heated dispute between two neighbours in a high-end Sunshine Coast suburb, involving a number of trees in a “core” koala habitat, has landed in court.

The leafy Firetail Court in Tanawha

A heated dispute between two neighbours in a high-end Sunshine Coast suburb, involving a number of trees in a “core” koala habitat, has landed in court.

The neighbourhood dispute between the residents of two properties on Firetail Ct, Tanawha was heard in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal in November, 2024, with the decision delivered last month.

The applicant, who owns the property at 8 Firetail Ct, sought to have a total of 21 trees removed from their neighbour’s property, citing safety concerns for people and property damage from extensive root systems.

“In addition to the overhang of the foliage, the subject trees regularly drop branches, sticks, leaf litter and other debris on her property causing damage to her roof, garage, tennis court and pool area,” the documents stated.

“It is alleged the branches which fall on the property range in size and thickness from 10cm to 15cm in diameter.”

The resident at 8 Firetail Ct also alleged the trees obstructed the sunlight, rendering her solar hot water system “redundant”.

“In addition to the risk to the property and persons on the property, the applicant asserts the height of the trees has severely obstructed the sunlight on her property,” the document stated.

“The extent of this effect is that the solar hot water system on the Applicant’s roof has become redundant.”

The owners of two neighbouring Firetail Ct properties have landed in court over an ongoing tree dispute.

Court documents state it was established the trees the applicant wished to remove were in a “core” koala habitat area.

“Pursuant to a decision dated July 19, 2024, it was determined by the Tribunal that the respondents’ property is located in a ‘core’ koala habitat area, not a ‘priority’, ‘essential’ or ‘high risk’ habitat area,” the documents stated.

The documents state the respondents believed the removal of the native trees would be “detrimental” to the koala population.

“The respondents assert the subject trees should remain as they are native trees to the area and form part of the core koala habitat corridor which runs through many properties in Tanawha.

“The removal of the trees would be detrimental to the koala population,” the documents stated.

Ultimately it was decided by the tribunal the owners of 7 Firetail Ct would need to have one tree removed along with the pruning of several others by March 17, 2025, and ongoing annual maintenance.

It was also ordered by the tribunal all costs would be paid by the respondents.

Originally published as Tanawha residents battle it out in tribunal over controversial trees