GAWLER Council has quelled fears for the health of Julian Terrace’s historic Moreton Bay Figs, after one dead tree was cut down last week.
The trees, planted by Gawler Pioneer Richard Schomburgk between 1849 and 1865, are listed on the Local Heritage Register, giving them protection from being removed without cause.
On Thursday, council cut down one of the trees and put it through a wood chipper after it was deemed to be dead and a safety hazard for pedestrians and cars.
Despite the decision to remove the tree, Gawler mayor Karen Redman said the Moreton Bay Figs were in “overall good condition”.
“The (removed) tree has over recent years been in rapid decline and has now been deemed by a qualified arborist to be dead and unfortunately an unacceptable risk to the public,” she said.
“The tree has been identified to contain heavily decayed branches exceeding 260-450mm in diameter over areas of high public use.
Due to the trees close proximity to the highly used public footpath and car parking area on Julian Terrace it was unfortunately deemed an unacceptable risk.
“The remaining Moreton Bay Figs are checked regularly by Council’s arboriculture staff and risk assessed annually by consultant arborists.
“The Moreton Bay Figs are in good overall condition showing no signs of ill health. The trees are a defining element of Gawler’s town centre, an important part of Gawler’s history and much loved by locals and visitors alike.”
Ms Redman confirmed council will also plant two new Moreton Bay Figs near where the removed tree was cut down.
Local historian Peter Annear said council should be taking “every effort” to ensure the trees can live on as long as possible.
“I’m disappointed at the tree being cut down because they are a part of not only Gawler’s history, but a part of South Australia’s history, but I understand it,” he said.
“I’d like to see every effort made to preserve them.
“What concerns me is I don’t think people truly understand the significance of these trees.”