General News
21 November, 2020
Tree Works Notification – Multiple Locations On Port Douglas Rd
Suburb: Port Douglas Work date: Monday 23 November, 2020
Description: Oil palm removal and replacement on Port Douglas Road.
In September this year, Council received reports of an oil palm falling onto the road and almost hitting a passing vehicle.
An independent arborist completed a condition audit of the 608 oil palms and provided recommendations on how Council should manage the trees moving forward.
A summary of the arborist report is below:
The urgent removal of five oil palm trees on Port Douglas Rd is required due to significant decay which poses a risk to public safety.
These are located:
– Opposite Crimmins St – decay in mid-trunk with narrow stem.
– Opposite Pandanus Caravan Park – severe decay at base.
– Opposite Port Douglas cemetery – severe decay at base.
– Barrier St roundabout – significant decay due to impact damage/ring-barking.
– Barrier St roundabout – significant decay due to impact damage/ring-barking.
Council will replace the oil palms at the Barrier St roundabout with five advanced fan palms (livistona muelleri) shortly after removal. (Example below)
A further 15 palms have been identified for removal due to progressive decay and will be closely monitored for the next three months.
The remaining oil palms are considered healthy and will be re-assessed every six months.
Council staff are currently investigating options for replacing old oil palm trees with new oil palm trees and the long-term succession of the multi-million-dollar avenue of trees in the tourism township.
For further information, please call 4099 9444 or email enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au.
