Fig tree near City Hall to be removed for safety

A large fig tree near Maryborough City Hall will soon be removed after tests confirmed it is infected with a serious fungal disease that has no cure.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the tree, located on the Town Hall Green near the bus stop, has been closely monitored for several months.

“We know how much people love the big fig trees around City Hall - they’re a part of what makes Maryborough so special,” he said.

“Our Council arborists, along with external experts, have confirmed this tree has a serious root disease that is common in this area and can easily spread to other nearby trees.

“Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for this disease once it takes hold. The only option is to remove the tree, its roots, and the surrounding soil to stop the infection from spreading.

“There have been other cases between Queens Park and City Hall, so it’s important we act quickly to protect nearby trees and preserve the character of this historic space.”

As part of the removal process, Council will:

• Prune any weak or dangerous branches as a safety precaution;
• Remove the tree, its roots and some of the surrounding soil;
• Treat the area with special materials to help protect nearby trees; and
• Refill the site with clean soil and improve drainage.

The space will remain empty for at least two years while ongoing treatment continues, before a new tree is planted.

Cr Seymour said Council had already spoken with the State Government about the works, as the site is heritage-listed.

“We’re making sure everything we do follows the proper guidelines and advice to protect the heritage value of this area,” he said.

“We want residents to know this decision hasn’t been taken lightly. It’s about keeping the area safe and giving other healthy trees the best chance to thrive.”

Work is expected to begin in the coming weeks and will take several days to complete.