General News
14 November, 2025
Iconic tree faces chop
FRESHWATER residents are fighting a losing battle to save a mature and iconic raintree in the leafy suburb.
They are shocked Cairns Regional Council has approved its axing.
The tree, several metres high and estimated to be 80-years-old, towers over Old Smithfield Rd opposite Freshwater State School on the corner of Clearwater St.
Appeal to council
Residents are appealing to council and property owner to keep the tree, home to dozens of bird species, including black cockatoos and double-eyed fig parrots, as well as orchids.
Gavin Ibbett said he did not believe the council assessment that the tree’s root system was causing damage to the property.
“It is part of the streetscape that is Freshwater. It provides shade, it’s a lot cooler standing under this tree than out in the sun,” he said.
“What are we telling our children when we talk about climate change and then chop this magnificent tree down.”
Mr Ibbett said there was plenty of room on the property to keep the tree and develop on the other side of the site.
“It’s a healthy tree and an asset,” he said. “The developer doesn’t live here, so doesn’t care.
“We are losing trees left, right and centre.
“This council is always approving the removal of trees. It would be nice for once they were in favour of a tree.”
Karly Debiasio said her young son loved trees and would be devastated to learn that this one would be chopped down.
‘Nothing wrong with tree’
Lauren Accornero said there was nothing wrong with the tree, “so why are they knocking it down?”.
Laura Garner, who lives opposite the tree, said “it’s too upsetting … that’s all”.
Monique Jeffs of Cairns and Far North Environment Centre said the organisation was “devastated that the council would approve cutting down this magnificent tree. And this isn’t a one-off – they also approved the St John’s Anglican Church to cut down a 40-year-old fig in the city the same week”.
“The CAFNEC Tree Action Group is receiving a steady flow of reports from across Cairns of trees being marked for cutting down by council or locals in their backyards on almost a weekly basis.
Heatwave conditions
“We are already experiencing rising heat in our region. We had a heat wave a few weeks ago,and we know that trees provide a cooling effect around them that is incredible. Every tree we remove makes our city hotter.”
Cr Kristy Vallely, whose division includes the tree, posted on Facebook that the tree had damaged the property next door.
In a video she described the tree as “beautiful, magnificent”.
“There has been a lot of conversations online about this tree, the owner of the tree and the owner of the land and the property here has put an application into council to have this tree removed,” Cr Vallely said.
Tree causing damage
“Unfortunately, what’s happened with this tree is the roots have extended and damaged the property, the house beside it, so the applicant, the owner of the land, has put a request into council to remove a tree.
“The council officers have assessed that request and there has been approval for this tree removal. I know it’s going to be really upsetting for a lot of you, including me.
“No one likes to see beautiful trees like this go, but I just wanted to let you know myself, that’s the assessment.
“The council officers have made the decision and the applicant will now be notified this has been approved for removal.”
Extensive reports
A council spokeswoman said council approved the removal of the raintree on the private property at Freshwater following detailed arborist, structural and engineering assessments.
“Its extensive root system has caused major, irreparable structural damage to the existing house, including slab movement, wall cracking and severe mould infiltration, rendering it uninhabitable and non-compliant with housing standards,” she said.
“Arborist assessments confirm that, while the tree is a healthy and valued specimen, retaining the tree is not feasible as its tree protection zone covers most of the 916sqm property.
“Any attempts to mitigate the damage, such as installing root barriers or pruning, would breach Australian standards and risk destabilising the tree.
“Council acknowledges the community’s strong appreciation for the tree’s character, shade and contribution to the neighbourhood streetscape.
Replacement tree
“To address this, approval conditions require the applicant to undertake future landscaping which includes a replacement significant tree to restore canopy cover and local amenity.
“Removal is also contingent upon the approval of building works for a new, safe dwelling, ensuring the decision directly supports improved liveability and safety outcomes.
“This decision reflects a balanced approach recognising the tree’s environmental and community value while addressing unavoidable structural conflict and ensuring the practical and safe use of the residential property.”
