General News
24 December, 2025
Oil palms to be removed
THREE unsafe oil palms on the verge of Port Douglas Road (in front of Oaks Resort Port Douglas) are to be removed by Douglas Shire Council before the end of the year, subject to contractor availability.
A council spokesman said council arborists had been monitoring the palms for the past two months after observing a rapid decline in their health.
“The trees now appear dead, with failed central fronds and significant basal bracket fungi indicating advanced internal decay,” he said.
“Given the prominent location and proximity to traffic, council sought an independent
arborist assessment, which confirmed that all three palms are structurally compromised, affected by pathogenic decay and highly likely to fail.
“Based on this expert advice, council will proceed with their removal as a necessary safety measure.
“Council acknowledges the community’s appreciation for this well-known avenue of
palms and understands that their removal may be disappointing.
“This decision follows detailed inspections and independent professional recommendations to ensure public safety.”
