A much-loved fig tree next to the Brunswick Heads boat harbour has been saved from destruction – for now – by the quick thinking of a local activist.
But the stay of execution may be short lived if locals are unable to convince the landowner, William Silverman, to change his mind.
Dean Jefferys was riding his bike beside the harbour last Friday, when he saw the tree being chopped down.
He immediately intervened and managed to stop the screaming chainsaws before climbing into the branches in a bid to ensure they didn’t start up again.
‘The tree was planted 30 years ago, and was healthy with no rotten or dangerous limbs,’ Mr Jefferys said.
‘It’s only “crime” – receiving the death penalty – that I’m aware of, is that its roots were penetrating some of the sewerage pipes about 70 feet away, and a small rise in the car park where its roots have travelled.’
Mr Jefferys is now trying to convince the owner of the land, William Silverman, to preserve and protect the fig, which lost branches in the ordeal, yet is still standing strong.
Hundreds in the community are supporting the move, flocking to social media to express their shock and dismay at the potential loss of the fig.
‘This particular tree is a food source to many native birds and bats and it is also their natural habitat,’ Mr Jefferys said in an open letter to Mr Silverman.
‘People have a personal relationship with this tree and many seek the shade from this magnificent fig on a regular basis.’
‘I managed to get a copy of the [Council] permit, but not the reasons for why the permit was granted in the first place,’ Mr Jefferys said.
Council approved
‘They wanted me to pay $80 for the info, which I wasn’t happy about. That information should be freely available in my opinion’.
The Echo asked Council staff to explain the reasons for its decision to grant permission. They replied, ‘Council is very aware of the importance of trees to our community, and any permits for the removal of trees are strongly considered’.
‘In the instance of the fig tree at Brunswick Heads, approval was given for the property owner to remove the fig tree because its roots were causing extensive and recurring damage to plumbing services, as well as structural damage to the surrounding car park.
‘The owner of the property is required to plant two Eumundi quandongs to compensate for the removal of the tree’.
Mr Silverman’s representatives, who manage his abandoned fish and chip shop, were contacted over the matter, but there was no reply by deadline.
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