We have received $100,000 from Department of Transport and Main Roads to address the significant deterioration of the Rail Trail around Rocky Creek from the prolonged wet season. We’ve added $45,000 of TRC funding to the project that includes upgrading the causeway, reinstating the drainage and replanting adjacent areas.
Work was completed in July.
Works are planned to remove the large fig tree located next to the Country Women’s Association (CWA) Hall at Kehoe Place Yungaburra from 15 September 2025 and commence a tree-replanting program at the site.
Unfortunately, the existing tree presents a significant risk of damage to the CWA Hall foundations and associated underground services such as water and sewerage pipes connected to the community network. It also presents a potential public safety risk from falling branches.
Fig trees of this species can be problematic in urban areas because their massive and aggressive root systems and relentless tropical growth have the potential to cause severe infrastructure damage.
Their roots, often many tens of metres long, can crack concrete slabs, find their way into underground water and sewerage pipes, lift footpaths, destabilize retaining walls and can threaten building foundations.
This issue is not only a problem for Yungaburra, but something Council must monitor, and respond to regularly right across the entire Tablelands region.
Planting the wrong tree in the wrong place can cause significant issues over many years (decades) at significant cost to ratepayers. Whenever Council removes a tree, we aim for a positive environmental outcome: more trees, and more of the right trees. The ‘right’ trees mean better improved amenity, better safety, and easier maintenance.
If you want to plant a tree on public land, please talk to us before you plant!
The TRC Vegetation Management Policy encourages planting the right tree in the right place, on urban public land.
Following removal of the old fig tree at the Yungaburra CWA Hall, a replanting program will commence with native environmentally sustainable tree species such as Atherton Nut, Flame tree, Lemon Aspen, Firewheel and Golden Penda trees that can be more practically maintained with reduced risk and costs.
There are more enhancement works taking place in Yungaburra. Learn more about planned footpath improvement works here.
