General News
26 May, 2026
Fight over fig tree and land
COMMUNITY concerns are mounting over a proposed residential development on community-zoned land at Toogood Road, with residents questioning Cairns Regional Council’s assessment process and council officers opposing the removal of a significant fig tree.
The development application lodged by Toogood Pty Ltd seeks preliminary approval for residential uses, including a variation request to introduce the low-medium density residential zone and a development permit to reconfigure two lots into 49 residential lots at 85-97 and 99-111 Toogood Road.
In a 13 February information request to the applicant, council officers stated the proposed removal of a large fig tree on the site “is not supported”.
Council said the application contained “insufficient justification” for removing the tree and requested amended development plans showing how it could be retained within the subdivision design.
An arborist report referenced in council documents described the tree as having “high landscape significance and retention value”, while council arborists reported it had a “full, vigorous canopy”, “well-formed main branch structure” and “strong root system”.
Council further classified the fig as an “exceptional tree” under its general Policy for the management of trees on council controlled land.
The information request also raised concerns about traffic access, flooding, drainage, lot sizes and the potential loss of community facilities-zoned land.
Council officers described the site as “one of the last remaining infill sites of this scale in the area”.
Separately, community group Toogood Community Heritage has written to Cairns Regional Council chief executive officer Ken Gouldthorp seeking greater public explanation of the assessment process for the impact assessable application.
The group said residents needed confidence that the process remained “fair, transparent, accountable and impartial” and argued the community must be able to trust “that the outcome has not been predetermined”.
Holly Ward, of Toogood Community Heritage, said residents were concerned about the broader implications of losing community-zoned land.
“With Cairns Hospital already under significant strain, and an ageing population increasing, demand for care, long-stay beds and community-based care infrastructure are not minor planning issues – they are essential to the functioning of healthcare across Cairns,” Ms Ward said.
“Residents want to know that if they or their loved ones are admitted to hospital, they will receive timely, safe and appropriate care.”
Ms Ward said the fig tree had become a recognised part of the local landscape.
Architect and Tree Action Group representative Mark Buttrose criticised the proposed development, arguing it failed to adequately protect the fig tree and reduced land available for future community uses.
“In practical terms, this development makes no attempt to retain this iconic fig tree,” Mr Buttrose said.
Mr Buttrose also raised concerns about the long-term loss of community facilities land.
CAFNEC community organiser Monique Jeffs said the removal of established trees across Cairns was becoming a public health concern.
“Large trees are part of Cairns’ natural cooling infrastructure,” she said.
Council has requested further information from the applicant before continuing its assessment of the development proposal.
