"We don't have old buildings, we have old trees": the fight to save a 200 year-old Lennox Head fig tree continues

Echo NetDaily, 30 April 2018:

Ballina Council has offered a temporary reprieve for the 200 year old Moreton Bay fig tree in Castle Drive Lennox Head. Photo Jenny Grinlington.

Ballina’s Deputy Mayor, Keith Williams, has thanked locals campaigning to save a 200-year-old Fig Tree at Lennox Head.

He said community pressure had contributed to a rethink from the mayor that resulted in a last minute rescission motion to temporarily save the tree while further investigation is undertaken.

The motion signed by Mayor David Wright, Cr Williams and Cr Meehan calls an Extraordinary Meeting to consider further technical reports on the causes of cracking in an adjoining house.

‘A number of highly qualified arborists have written to Council urging further investigation of the tree roots and claiming that soil moisture issues under the house are a more likely source of the damage than the tree. This warrants further investigation, said Cr Williams.

‘This tree predates the arrival of European settlers in the area. Apart from items such as centuries old fish traps, these ancient trees are some of the most significant heritage items in the shire. They should be protected on that basis.’

‘I think all councillors are mindful of the fact that our insurer has accepted a claim for damage and denied future liability unless this tree is removed. But if that assessment is wrong, we should challenge it on behalf of our community’, said Cr Williams.

He told Echonetdaily it was ‘a difficult issue – we’ve been placed in a difficult position with our insurer. They don’t value heritage. This in my view this is a significant item of heritage – we don’t have old buildings, we have old trees.

While the date of the extraordinary meeting is still to be determined by the general manager, Cr Williams said he expects it to be ‘within next couple of weeks’.....