Farewelling two Kauri Pines from Botanic Gardens due to decay

Published on 13 November 2026

Rockhampton Regional Council has made the difficult decision to remove two Kauri Pine trees from the Botanic Gardens due to their declining health.

After a large branch recently fell from one of the trees, arborist assessments found significant decay in their upper canopies, causing structural damage and posing a safety risk.

The trees, which are located adjacent to the playground, are expected to be removed from Monday, 16 November, weather permitting, with a crane and large machinery required to assist with the removal.

To keep the community safe while the trees are removed and machinery is brought in and out of the site, the Botanic Gardens Playground will be closed until at least the last week of November.

Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said every effort had been made to preserve the trees; however, due to their declining health and the safety risk they posed, the decision had been made to remove them.

“Cutting down these magnificent trees was an absolute last resort, and every effort was made to keep them. However, the risk of someone getting hurt was simply too great,” Cr Rutherford said.

“If these trees could talk, they would be able to tell a million stories, and I know our community has countless memories and special moments that have been shared and made beneath them. 

“We know these trees will be a significant loss, but the safety of our community is paramount, and our parks team is already looking at what we can plant in their place.”

Open Spaces and Recreation Manager Thomas Svenson said arborists had carried out Sonic Tomography, a form of sonography, on the trees, which showed significant internal decay.

Mr Svenson said the removal of the trees would be a significant undertaking due to their size.

“These trees have been part of our gardens for well over 100 years and, being outdoors, have been exposed to multiple cyclones and storms,” Mr Svenson said.

“Kauri Pine trees have relatively soft wood, so the rapid movement caused by strong winds during these weather events has led to internal fractures that have been unable to heal. As a result, the trees have decayed from the inside out.

“Because the trees have been declining for quite some time, their canopy cover has already been significantly reduced, and they currently provide limited shade. As such, we don't anticipate their removal having a significant impact on shade levels at the playground.

“Arborists have also carried out inspections to ensure no birds or animals were living in the trees before removal and found no evidence of habitat use in either tree.”

About Kauri Pines

• Kauri Pines are native to Queensland, and a mature tree can reach a height of 30 to 40 metres tall with a breast height trunk diameter of between one and three metres.

ENDS