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A heritage-listed Cairns city fig tree that was facing removal will now be saved.

Cairns Regional Council was last year given the green light to chop the tree after applying to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act for permission to remove it, citing a pathogen infection.

For the past six years, Council has been minimising risks to the public including trimming, maintenance, bracing and fencing.

In the past, the tree has been home to a colony of flying foxes.

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Deputy Mayor Terry James said it’s shown marked signs of recovery since Council began deterring the bats from landing there in 2020.

“This is a significant tree and Council was committed to exploring the feasibility of protecting and supporting the fig tree,” Cr James said.

“However, Council needed to be mindful of the tree’s condition and the risk to public safety. 

“Like everyone else, I was pleased to see vibrant green shoots as the tree seemingly came back to life.

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“The outcome is one that I am sure will please the community.”

The Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) was among those opposing the tree’s removal.

Representatives met with Council officers, who then committed to reviewing the cost implications and practicality of measures to protect and support its health.

CAFNEC Director Lucy Graham said the organisation presented an alternative proposal to removal following the culmination of its research.

“This result has come from a real community collaboration," she said.

“With the help of community members and experts such as the Environmental Defenders Office, arborists and also staff at the Cairns Regional Council, we were able to understand both the on the ground management and policy context of this issue and present an alternative to councillors to ensure community safety and protect the tree."

Division 5 Councillor Amy Eden said she’s delighted by the outcome.

“Following an analysis of the tree’s improving health, we believe we have a solution that will allow the tree to be retained and honoured,” Cr Eden said.

“While the canopy has recovered post flying fox relocation, the internal structure of the tree is still compromised, and measures will need to be undertaken to minimise risks and support the tree to heal.”

“This will include the use of props to help brace certain branches until the natural arboreal roots are able sustain their weight.

“Interpretive signage will be installed to tell the story of the tree, complemented by a First Nations narrative that respects and acknowledges cultural heritage to tell the story of place.”

An exclusion zone will remain in place until the area is deemed safe.

A Council spokesperson told Tropic Now there will be an initial cost of approximately $40,000 over next two years to remediate the  site, which includes pruning, installation of structural supports and mulching.

Council is working on a management plan which will consider the rejuvenation of the area, including the design of fencing and signage. 

The announcement comes just weeks after Council revealed a beloved fig tree at Freshwater was beyond saving.

ENVIRONMENT
LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Main points

  • A heritage-listed fig tree at Cairns Library will be retained
  • Cairns Regional Council said its health has improved after flying foxes that roosted in the tree were relocated
  • The tree will require bracing and an exclusion zone will remain for puboic safety
It would seem that once the stress of having hundreds of flying foxes roosting in its branches was removed, the tree has been able to recover quite quickly.
Cr terry james
Deputy Mayor, CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL