Fremantle Council votes to protect Moreton Bay Fig tree

Fremantle Council has voted to protect a 130-year-old Moreton Bay Fig in the heart of Fremantle.

The vote rescinded a previous motion passed at the Council meeting on 14 February, which removed the tree from the Significant Tree Register.

The tree has now been re-listed on the register, which means its protection has been restored.

The future of the tree can now only be considered as part of a formal development application, which would be considered by Council on its merits in order to maintain its heritage significance while allowing contemporary redevelopment.

Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said that in its debate, Council acknowledged both the situation of the property owners and the strong community sentiment in favour of protecting the tree.

“The commitment to preserve urban canopy is a Council priority and the expectation of a large section of the Fremantle community.

“While I have had a discomfort with the ways the tree was originally transferred from the heritage register to the significant tree register, the intention was always to protect this tree for its heritage value. The decision of Council reflects that,” she said.

Council also reaffirmed a commitment which requires the City of Fremantle to help the owners of 195 High Street with the maintenance of the tree.

Council has voted to direct the City to review the Significant Tree Register.

This review will include looking at a register for owners wishing to nominate trees on their property, listing of trees of cultural heritage significance, and the introduction of incentives to support the maintenance of trees on the register.

Image: The Moreton Bay Fig Tree at 195 High Street.