Huge tree taken down on Scarborough foreshore

Picture courtesy of Jeanelle Hurst

It was the end-of-an-era at Scarborough today when contractors took down a mature fig tree, believed to be more than 80 years old.

Some residents watched and recorded the tree’s removal, while others commented as the landmark on Scarborough Beach foreshore was removed.

Jeanelle Hurst said: “ Redcliffe Museum would be able to calculate its age from historical photos.

“My family camped in front of that tree in the camping ground in the early 60s. I remember cooking sand crabs we had caught in the bay, under the shade of that tree.

“We held the memorial service under the tree’s canopy for my father in 2001. This tree was iconic … a living sculpture.”

John Young said on social media: “I climbed that tree when I was a kid at grandma’s house … what a shame to see it go.”

Above: Images of tree, prior to its removal

David Goodwin remembers “playing there as a kid over 50 years ago and my kids, nieces, nephews played there as well. A little bit of history gone.”

Jenene Crampton said her son “climbed this beautiful tree 25 years ago. It was such a beautiful place to go. We will always have special memories.”

Chrissy Benedetto said: “Is sad, however for safety reasons (it had to be removed) I do understand” and Tim Seymour hopes “they will plant another one”.

The decision to remove the tree was taken after it “suffered severe and irreversible decline” during the last 12 months due to a fungal pathogen.

Moreton Bay City Council says around half the tree’s canopy is dead, remaining foliage is minimal and the “structural integrity of the tree has been significantly compromised.”