Townsville City Council will remove a diseased Banyan Fig (Ficus Benghalensis) from Cape Pallarenda Road tomorrow (May 12) as it has become a safety risk to the community.
The tree, which is located adjacent to the turnoff to the Rowes Bay Golf Course, will be removed after a section partially collapsed earlier this year after contracting a fungal disease known as Phellinus noxious, or commonly known as brown rot.
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Deputy Chair Margie Ryder said the Banyan Fig had undergone an assessment from Council's certified and experienced arborist which led to the decision to remove the diseased tree.
"Unfortunately, Council's assessment confirmed a serious decline in the tree's health and for the safety of the community it does need to be removed," Cr Ryder said.
"The disease known more commonly as brown rot is an incurable fungal disease which is hard to detect in Pallarenda due to the sea breeze altering the way the disease presents.
"Tragically there is no cure for brown rot, however our Council crews endeavour to manage the disease as best they can through active monitoring of the significant avenue of trees.
"Removing trees like this beautiful fig is always a last resort for Council, however our first priority is the safety of the community."
