Two century-old fig trees in a suburban Sunshine Coast park have been removed after they were found to have significant structural damage.
The much-loved trees in Wirreanda Park, Buderim, were removed by Sunshine Coast Council last week after they sustained storm damage in 2023.
The trees were part of two avenues of figs that were planted in the park, on the corner of King and Short streets, around 1903.
New native fig trees will be planted in their place next month.
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A council spokesperson said the decision to remove the figs was made in the interests of community safety.
“A Sunshine Coast Council team attended Wirreanda Park, Buderim, on October 29, 2023, to inspect damage sustained to fig trees during a storm event,” they said.
“An arborist report identified significant structural damage to two fig trees and the expert advised they could no longer be safely retained. As a result, the decision was made to remove the trees for the safety of the community.
“The arboreal team attended the park again on January 3, 2024, to remove the tree stumps and prepare the site for new native fig trees to be planted in February 2024.”
A plaque was placed in the park in 2003 to commemorate the centenary of the weeping fig trees being planted in 1903.
“The stand of ficus benjamina known as the Avenue of Wirreanda Park was on the property of S.H. Smyth esq (the owner of the property) in 1903 by Mahomet Ishak,” it reads.
A Facebook post on the Buderim Community Board page about the removal of the trees has garnered more than 100 comments, many of them mourning the loss.
“Very sad. We all die eventually. Those trees have been an eye of beauty for generations,” one comment said.
Another said: “The trees were planted in memorium and therefore perhaps heritage. It is sad that they have been neglected to the extent they are now diseased. We can only pray that they will be replaced suitably and what’s left treated with respect. This is a much valued park.”
“A combination of storm damage and fungal infections have weakened them and some have had to be removed. They replant them but it’ll take a few decades to grow to anything like the current ones’ sizes,” read another.
The spokesperson said the park was one of the hundreds maintained by council.
“Council maintains 1180 recreation parks and open spaces, 381 playgrounds and 201 public amenities, in which trees provide instrumental benefits like keeping our parks cool, supporting our local wildlife and many other environmental values,” they said.
“Safety of the community in these areas is a priority.
“Wirreanda Park has a special association with the Buderim War Memorial Community Committee and is well loved by our local community.”
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