RESIDENTS have raised concerns over the future of an enormous Moreton Bay Fig tree on the boundary of the proposed retirement village on Macdonnell Road.
The tree borders Robyn Ashwin’s property on Mazama Court and she is alarmed that it does not appear on the developer’s plans.
“I have seen the plan and that tree is not on it, in fact no trees are on it,” Robyn said.
“I love the tree; it’s huge and shades half of my yard and the next door.
“I am horrified. It would be a terrible loss, that tree took at least 100 years to grow. You can’t replace it with a sapling or a tubestock, it’s been there for such a long time. It’s such a shame not to value it.
“People come here because it’s beautiful and green and is supposed to be the green behind the gold; if we keep making it into high density developments then it won’t be green.”
Division One Councillor Amanda Hay said she had written to one of Scenic Rim Regional Council’s General Managers about the tree.
However, she said unfortunately the tree can be removed because it is not in an area that would require approval from council to remove it.
A council spokesperson said the vegetation to the north of the block in question is not Regulated Vegetation.
“Operational Works for clearing is Accepted Development under the Planning Scheme and would only be triggered for assessment due to Overlays. As the vegetation will constitute exempt clearing (due to its categorisation as Category X) no Operational Works approval would be required, and this area can be cleared without a development application,” the spokesperson said.
Scenic Rim Regional Council said dated images obtained via QImagery indicate that the tree is likely to be around 30-40 years as it forms a row of boundary trees which are not shown on images from 1983 but are on the 1993 image.
Cr Hay said there were trees planted somewhere between late 80s and early 90s along the boundary line and this is the only one remaining.
“My preference is that any native vegetation of that age and significance should be retained,” Cr Hay said.
The tree is also on Suzanne Richards’ boundary and she, like Robyn, is very distressed by its potential loss.
“We don’t need to keep destroying our environment. We can’t keep getting rid of the animals’ habitat,” she said.
“There has to be ways around things. “I know I’m not the only one that feels this way.
President of Tamborine Mountain Landcare, Judith Roland, said even if it’s not a remnant tree it is still a significant habitat tree attracting many birds for food source.
“Local residents have spotted Wompoo pigeons, White-headed pigeons, Regent bowerbirds, Satin bowerbirds, Lewin honey eaters, emerald doves and many other species of birds,” she said.
“It is time that our council decided to do some serious thinking about tree preservation on Tamborine Mountain. We are in danger of losing more and more biodiversity with some of the bigger trees being removed.
“There have been discussions within Council for many years about preparing and maintaining a ‘Significant Tree Register’, which would at least bring these valuable trees to the attention of the community and perhaps help us to realise how important our trees are, to not only our wildlife, but to us humans as well…for our health and well-being.”
Public submissions on the development have closed.
Scenic Rim Regional Council will analyse submissions and prepare a report for councillors to vote on at an ordinary meeting.
Tamborine Mountain News was unable to contact the developer for comment.
