General News
2 May, 2026
Costa begs to save tree
TELEVISION gardening personality Costa Georgiadis has once again backed calls to save a controversial raintree in Freshwater, urging a rethink of the dispute between Cairns Regional Council, developers and residents.
The tree at 51 Old Smithfield Road has become the centre of a long-running community campaign, with legal action recently withdrawn due to financial risks.
Mr Georgiadis said the issue should not be decided in court.
“I think it shouldn’t be solved in a courtroom … this should be solved around a table with … imagination and … respect for the three groups,” he said in Cairns last week.
Mr Georgiadis said the interests of the council, developers and the community could align.
“You’ve got the council … focused on risk … the developer … wants certainty … and then you’ve got the community … saying, ‘Well, what about some care here’ … these three can align,” he said.
Mr Georgiadis said development did not need to come at the expense of the tree.
“Smart development works with nature, not against it,” he said.
“It listens before it draws lines on a page.”
He said retaining established trees could add value to developments.
“A retained iconic tree can really become a feature that lifts the desirability … it’s not an obstacle,” he said.
Concerned resident Sarah Warne said the community remained frustrated by the process.
“What I don’t understand is why the council have a vegetation management code if it’s not going to comply with it?,” she said.
Ms Warne said trees played a vital role in Cairns’ tropical environment.
“With climate change … it’s important to have more shade coverage … raintrees … act as natural airconditioners,” she said.
She also pointed to community opposition, including more than 13 submissions against the removal.
“I’m completely astounded that council have not added more rigour to the process,” she said.
Mr Georgiadis said the outcome would have lasting implications beyond the site.
“We don’t inherit old trees … we’re borrowing them from the kids,” he said.
He said the situation presented an opportunity for better design outcomes. “It can be achieved … it should be seen as an opportunity … to good design,” he said.
Further legal options are still being considered by residents, as the dispute continues to draw attention across the region.
A Cairns Regional Council spokeswoman has already said the removal of the raintree at 51 Old Smithfield Road, Freshwater, was approved with conditions on 6 November 2025.
She said the Freshwater Raintree Action Group appealed the approval in the Planning and Environment Court but later withdrew the appeal.
“Council considers this matter is now closed.”
