Douglas Shire Council has outlined the reasons for the urgent removal of five oil palm trees on Port Douglas Road, set to begin Monday, 23 November.

According to a Council statement, this is required due to significant decay which poses a risk to public safety.

In September this year, Council received reports of an oil palm falling onto the road and almost hitting a passing vehicle.

An independent arborist completed a condition audit of the 608 oil palms and provided recommendations on how Council should manage the trees moving forward.

Locations of the palms:

• Opposite Crimmins St – decay in mid-trunk with narrow stem.
• Opposite Pandanus Caravan Park – severe decay at base.
• Opposite Port Douglas cemetery – severe decay at base.
• Barrier St roundabout – significant decay due to impact damage/ring-barking.
• Barrier St roundabout – significant decay due to impact damage/ring-barking.
  
  

“Council will replace the oil palms at the Barrier St roundabout with five advanced fan palms (livistona muelleri) shortly after removal.

“A further 15 palms have been identified for removal due to progressive decay and will be closely monitored for the next three months.

“The remaining oil palms are considered healthy and will be re-assessed every six months,” the statement said.

Council staff are currently investigating options for replacing old oil palm trees with new oil palm trees and the long-term succession of the multi-million-dollar avenue of trees in the tourism township.

For further information you can call 4099 9444 or email enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au