Significant Trees

Why is it Significant?

Significant, usually large trees are important to the environment and contribute to the rural and urban landscape. Some trees or tree groups have additional cultural heritage value. Not all significant trees have been recognised or entered in the appropriate State or local heritage registers.

Why is it at Risk?

Urban densification is placing additional pressure on significant trees. This is at a time when, in addition to 20 listings of parks and gardens, only eight of the entries in the Queensland Heritage Register are for trees (or tree groups, avenue of, copse of, street of or trees of social, historical and special significance). Densification means people live closer together. Presently in bill form, the Queensland Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Bill 2010, if passed, will allow the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) to rule in disputes over trees. Although QCAT must consider the historical cultural, social or scientific value of a tree, according to the bill interference with television or satellite reception, interference with the proper functioning of solar panelling, interference with a previously existing view and loss of light are examples of ‘unreasonable interference with the enjoyment of the neighbour’s land’ and possible grounds for the removal of the tree.

What needs to be done?

Greater attention should be given to the identification and registration of trees which are of cultural heritage significance. Increased appreciation of significant trees, in part through their entry in the appropriate registers, may assist in their survival.