General News
12 November, 2024
Park works critical for safety
PUBLIC safety has led to several trees being chopped down or heavily pruned in public areas of the Douglas Shire.
Social media has lit up with comments condemning the tree destruction with many residents seemingly convinced that the council is on a major tree cull.
Hutchings Park, at Port Gardens, was the first target with mature trees axed. Residents questioned why there had been no consultation between the council and the public.
On Thursday last week, Four Mile Beach visitors observed the removal of mature fig trees in Four Mile Park.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said two fig trees were removed adjacent to the Hutchings Park playground due to safety and compliance issues.
“The fig roots had begun cracking the soft-fall surface around the playground, presenting a risk to the playground users,” she said. “To replace the soft-fall surface, the fig roots would have needed removal, significantly compromising the stability of these trees.”
Cr Scomazzon said 10 new trees were planted before the fig trees were removed.
Regarding Four Mile Park, she said “a dead tree overhanging a picnic table was removed due to safety concerns”.
“A large melaleuca located between the car park and picnic tables had begun to decline and was overtaken by a strangler fig,” she said. “The tree displayed signs of poor health, with dead wood and some dead branches in its canopy.”
Cr Scomazzon said the strangler fig was pruned back to ensure the long-term safety and life of the melaleuca.
Read More: Port Douglas
