Fig tree letters and images flow from public
Big Fig Tree Fight
The response to the news of the Big Fig Tree in Rex Smeal Park is on the chopping block unless a court hearing on November 16 puts the chainsaws at bay permanently last week sparked huge feedback from both sides of the debate.
While plenty of that comment played out on social media, Newsport has received letters putting forward different points of view.
And our call out for people to share their memories and magical moments in Rex Smeal Park by Big Figgy also drew plenty of images.
Here’s what people are saying and sharing directly with Newsport.
Deborah Pergolotti - Top tree man says the big fig is "perfectly healthy"
Yes, I remember Ian Crossman's name when I was one of many fighting to save the historic Moreton Bay and Benjamina figs at Cairns library. Since Cairns council had told the Heritage committee that "T5" (the Benjamina) was 'dead' (yes, I have the documents), I question how much any council arborist knows about legacy trees and how different they are internally to younger trees.
Mr. Crossman mentions that the root system for the fig will mirror its canopy. Then move the playground equipment if you are concerned about safety. (Surely that is cheaper than removing the tree.) Don't let council take the backwards way out by removing a historic shade tree that was here before anybody on council was even born. With our blazing tropical sun, we need as many large shade trees as possible in urban areas - not less.
Katie Eggleson - Tree falls
Remembering Jasper Burgoyne
25 September, 2008. 2:30pm. Forever 4 years old.
Jasper & his Dad were simply walking on Owen Street. A tree with bad roots fell, and Jasper devastatingly never made it home from one of first his family holidays.
18 September, 2026. Roughly 1:30pm.
I was “lucky” to find someone pulling out of a spot on Macrossan Street in front of Cole’s, as I only wanted to quickly run in for cleaning spray and a coffee. The cafe was busy and I ended up helping out for a bit. Around 2pm we heard a loud, explosion-like bang and saw people running towards the street. Shortly after, I’m told we no longer have a car. A man was struck by a fallen tree, injuries unknown, but conscious. People frantically checking vehicles for other people, and calling out for anyone else under the tree.
An odd connection, both breezy, late September afternoons.
Maybe it just sits a bit different for me, but I can’t continue ignoring these posts.
What people have so quickly moved on from could have been catastrophic, AGAIN.
Thankfully the tree fell the way it did, thankfully the man’s arm will heal. Thankfully a local woman was crossing back to her family at the busy burger bar, stopping a queue of vehicles allowing her to pass. Thankfully no taxis were waiting in the bay. Thankfully no one was in those cars. Thankfully I wasn’t loading my girls in ours to go home. Thankfully it wasn’t a Sunday. Thankfully it was the day before school holidays. Thankfully.
Big Figgy is and will always be an iconic part of Port Douglas, but it’s not just about “playground safety”.
Unless it’s pouring rain, you can find at least 20 people at Rex on any given night to watch the sunset, even more on a Sunday morning to play, picnic, and watch the boats sail by. There’s gatherings to work on new skills, play games, celebrate birthdays, promotions, engagements, weddings, say bon voyage, and farewell. Events of all sizes, from movie nights to fireworks and concerts. It’s a great spot to simply be alone and read a book as well. Many memories have been made through her branches, under her shade. Be thankful for those. Be thankful for preventative action towards human safety as well, it would be irresponsible not to.
Trees can be replanted and grow, animals will find a home, but people don’t get to come back. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
Maybe we can redirect the petition towards benches made from Big Figgy, or an arbour for park celebrations, even a sculpture of the birds that would nest within her branches. Perhaps one honouring little Jasper, and the councils commitment to preventing any more loss or near loss of life to trees in this shire.
...but maybe it just sits a bit different with me.
Rupert Russell - Praise for coverage
Well done Bryan Littlely,
You put your effort into good reporting and good research on behalf of the much appreciated and environmentally valuable fig tree in Rex Smeal Park. Thank you from this admirer of fig trees.