Petition fights to stop the chop
Big Fig Tree Fight
The fight to stop the chop of the Rex Smeal Park fig tree at least until the community has had time to understand the process and be sure that all options have been considered started on yesterday morning, Port Douglas local of 17 years, Melina Capogreco, launching a petition.
And she made has made a call to action for community members to head to Rex Smeal Park early today, Monday, October 19, as Douglas Shire Council issued a notice of temporary closure of the playground around 4pm Sunday, October 18, in preparation for the removal of the tree.
“This decision was not made lightly,’’ council’s notice says.
“Following independent arborist advice, council has determined the tree can no longer be safely retained, with public safety remaining our highest priority.’’
Mrs Capogreco, a mother-of-two, said she has taken her family to Rex Smeal Park to play in and climb the tree so many times, but before having children “it was a special place for me and many friends’’.
“It’s got lots of memories for so many people here in Port Douglas,’’ she said.
“I started the petition because I saw the post from council that it was to be removed. I got a bit upset about it but thought we still have time, but we don’t as they say it will be removed this week.”
Mrs Capogreco said it was vital people turned up to Rex Smeal Park on Monday morning, eager for people to gather there by 10am to show a collective voice.
“Our beautiful, magnificent fig tree at Rex Smeal Park is facing removal, and we have a chance to make our voices heard before it’s too late,’’ her petition reads.
“This tree is part of Port Douglas. It’s provided shade, shelter for wildlife, and precious memories for generations of locals and visitors.
“I’ve lived here for 16 years, and my children have grown up climbing this beautiful tree. The thought of losing it is heartbreaking.
“Of course, public safety matters. But surely we should explore every reasonable alternative before removing something that has taken decades to grow?
“We’re asking Douglas Shire Council to pause the removal, share the arborist assessments with the community, and investigate whether the tree can be safely preserved, including the possibility of relocating the playground.’’
Mrs Capogreco said of strongest importance was the need for council to be more transparent with the details of the arborist report and hear and consider other options for the tree to retain safety.
“The reports on the tree are not fully available for viewing,’’ she said.
“I just feel like the whole thing is not informing the community.”
Wildlife carers have detailed that protected Torres Strait Pigeons are currently nesting in the tree, with two falling from the tree last week, and will occupy it for up to four months.
