Unhealthy trees get chop as saltwater pool undergoes makeover

Five pandanus trees beside the Kings Beach saltwater pool have been removed as the facility gets an upgrade.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the trees were in poor health and could not be saved.

“Our council arborists have been monitoring these five trees for some time, but their condition did not improve,” the spokesperson said.

But new pandanus will not be planted at the pool to replace those that got the chop.

The spokesperson said more trees would be planted elsewhere at Kings Beach to offset the removal of the pandanus and the council would increase the number of shade umbrellas at the pool.

“Due to the harsh coastal environment, we will not be replanting trees in the pool garden area,” the spokesperson said.

“However, as per our offset policy, we will be planting two trees for every one removed elsewhere within the Kings Beach precinct.

“We will be planting local, endemic banksia or casuarina trees in the coming weeks.”

The spokesperson said a range of upgrades, including replacing shade structures, increasing the number of shade umbrellas and routine surface treatment and painting were being undertaken at the pool.

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“This solution will address the cleaning and maintenance issues associated with the vegetation and pebbles from the beds being routinely thrown into the ocean pool,” they said.

The works started on July 29 and are due for completion in mid-August, weather permitting.

“We look forward to reopening this popular facility for our community to enjoy once we have completed these important maintenance and upgrades,” the spokesperson said.

Although the Kings Beach pool pandandus could not be saved, the council spokesperson said the health of pandanus on the Sunshine Coast overall was considered stable.

The council conducts an annual survey to assess the general health and stability of the pandanus population in foreshore environmental reserves.

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The spokesperson said there were instances of native leaf hopper (Jamella australiae) in pandanus but it was not at concerning levels.

“Decline in our region has largely plateaued since the release of a biological control (a wasp Aphanomerus pusillus) more than 20 years ago,” the spokesperson said.

“Both the leafhopper and the wasp are from north Queensland.

“Monitoring continues and where mitigation is deemed required, integrated pest management strategies are utilised which include biological control, cultural intervention such as leaf stripping, and in rare cases, chemical treatment may be utilised on landscape amenity specimens.”