Council approves foreshore tree plan
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Whitsunday Regional Council yesterday approved a tree planting program which will add 143 new trees to the foreshore area and only four mature trees have been earmarked for removal.
Mayor Andrew Willcox said every effort had been made to only remove the minimal number of trees to maximise spaces in the new carpark area near Whitsunday Sailing Club.
“Work on the Airlie Beach Foreshore started in September and the contractor accurately marked trees for possible removal after consultation with Council.
“I have since visited the site and reinforced Councils firm position of retaining as many existing trees as possible.
“The proposal originally identified five paper bark trees be removed to complete a 65 sealed car parks area; two paper bark trees be removed to construct footpaths; and four gum trees removed within the sound shell and seating area.
“Following a review of all mature trees by an arborist and advice from engineers, Council resolved that only three mature trees and one sick tree needed to be removed as a priority,” Mayor Willcox said.
The tree classed as too sick to save by the arborist will remain until a nesting bird has moved on, which is expected to occur in the next few weeks. Council ticked the box for the addition of 143 new trees, approximately two metres in height, in addition to a significant number of shrubs and ground cover plants.