General News
5 June, 2026
Distress over chopped tree
QUESTIONS continue to be raised about the approval process for the removal of the Freshwater raintree, with residents calling for greater transparency regarding compliance documents and conditions attached to the development approval.
The iconic tree at 51 Old Smithfield Road was removed this week (pictured right) despite a months-long community campaign to save it, with police called to the site as protesters made a final attempt to halt the works.
While Cairns Regional Council has stated the removal was lawful and all necessary approvals were in place, residents involved in the campaign say they still have concerns about whether approval conditions were properly implemented and publicly available before work commenced.
Southern Area Freshwater Community Association president Elizabeth Taylor wrote to the council seeking clarification on whether conditions relating to the development approval had been satisfied before the tree was removed.
In a response, Cairns Regional Council coordinator development services (engineering) Chris Chastre said a letter of compliance had been issued to the applicant and that council officers understood the tree removal was being undertaken without any breach of conditions.
“As all necessary conditions and permits are actively in place, the works on site are considered lawful,” Mr Chastre said.
Freshwater resident Sarah Warne said community concerns were now focused on the conditions attached to the operational works approval rather than revisiting the decision to remove the tree.
One of the conditions required that a detailed landscape plan be approved before vegetation clearing commenced and that replacement planting be undertaken.
Ms Warne said residents had been unable to locate the approved landscaping documentation and wanted the council to publicly release all relevant compliance documents.
“If there’s a vegetation management code, then it means that everyone has to adhere to it,” she said.
Residents have also questioned whether sufficient public notification was provided before works commenced and how approval conditions were monitored and enforced.
The removal has also prompted concern about the impact on local children.
Freshwater GP Dr Nicole Sleeman wrote to the council asking it to comment on the effect of the tree’s removal on Freshwater Primary School students, after teachers reportedly observed children becoming distressed during the final stages of the tree’s removal.
Dr Sleeman also asked what support would be provided to affected children and families.
While the tree has now been removed, campaigners say they will continue to seek answers about the approval process and the implementation of the conditions attached to the development.
Council has been asked whether it will publicly release the approved landscape plan and provide further details on the proposed replacement planting for the site.
Mayor Amy Eden said she understood the community’s anger and sadness over the loss of the tree but maintained she had no legal power to stop its removal.
“I’ve come to say goodbye to the beautiful raintree here in Freshwater, and like many of you, I’m saddened and devastated by its eventual loss,” Cr Eden said.
“If I had a lawful way to stop this, I would have pursued it, but I won’t mislead the community about what a mayor can and cannot do.”
