A recent inspection by Council arborists revealed both trees, close to the Terranora and Shamara roads intersection, have advanced canopy thinning and root damage. One is also showing scarring consistent with lighting strike damage, which has become a point of entry for decay.
Manager Parks and Active Communities Stewart Brawley said public safety is a priority for Council and the declining health of the trees posed a significant risk.
“The pines are located next to Terranora Road, over adjoining private property and close to high voltage powerlines. To ensure the safety of residents, road users and essential infrastructure, we unfortunately have little option but to remove two of these three pines,” Mr Brawley said.
Council arborists will also remove a large weeping fig located at Darlington Drive, Banora Point which has advanced brown root rot. While a poinciana will be removed from Wardrop Street in Murwillumbah due to advanced internal decay.
Council plants about 400 trees annually through its street tree and park planting programs and sites will be identified to undertake plantings to replace the trees being removed.
“In addition to our arborist services, we are developing an urban tree canopy program called Cool Towns to increase tree canopy cover in areas of the Tweed most lacking in shade,” Mr Brawley said.
“The focus and priority of our Cool Towns program is in urban areas to gain the best economic, environmental, public health and social benefits from these trees over the coming decades.”
The Cool Towns program was launched in October last year with the planting of native trees at Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South.
As part of the project, Council will work collaboratively with the community as active partners to help promote awareness, understanding and appreciation for increasing the amount of trees in urban settings.
