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Moreton Bay Fig Tree

Proposed Shopping Centre Development

The proposed shopping centre development is located on the corner of Greendale Way and Scrub Road, Carindale.

The developer’s intention is to develop the site for a shopping centre consisting of a supermarket of 3260m2, speciality shops of 2374 m2, amenities of 290 m2, and an upper level office of 68 m2 being a total of 5992 m2.

Parking will be provided for 310 cars and 7 motor bikes is proposed, including 6 bays for handicapped drivers.

According to the arborist hired and paid by the developer to determine the condition of the tree, the small leaf fig is generally in reasonable to good condition and vigour. The tree is mature, indigenous, fruit bearing and with leaves. It is likely to be 80-120 years old and is described as having high cultural value (Greendale Shop Village Plan 2.pdf)

Local residents concerned about the proposal and future of the Moreton Bay Fig Tree can access and view the developer’s application documents from the Brisbane City Council’s home page via the 'Development Applications' link. The Development Application Number is: 962343. The application was submitted to council on December 2006.

29 February 2008 - The tree was cut down after a permit was issued for its removal even though the court matter was not finalised.

We encourage you to submit your comments (for/against/indifferent) for publishing on this page.

Use our blog to get involved with further community discussion

13/03/08

I was extremely disappointed and saddened to see the tree go. I (used to) walk across the top of the hill every working day past that tree on the way to and from the bus stop across from the developer's office. The one with the signs showing an idyllic, treelined environment. I notice John McPhee, the developer, hasn't been there for the last couple of days, and has been avoiding us and the press. As Martin Luther King said, 'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Charles Kooij (Postcode: 4152)

13/03/08

Amanda and others. I note that some of you are interested in learning more about the shopping centre under consideration. You will note that in the preface on this page. ie the area just above the "Have your Say" button there is a link to the council website development applications page and also provided is the application number so you can see all the plans, objections and correspondence thus far given this all still has someway to run albeit that one issue has been eliminated....the tree. I will email carindale connect anyway and suggest they download some of the content and put it up on this website for easier access. At the end of the day it is simply about locals knowing what is going on and being informed regardless of their position on this....at least that way we have people making informed decisions. Otherwise this all simply gets left to the groupies of the lobby groups involved.
Cameron Crawford (Postcode: 4152)

12/03/08

While it is sad that the iconic tree has been destroyed the fact is it is gone and nothing is going to change the current situation. What next?? Does this mean we may finally start to see movement on the shopping center development this year??
Sarah (Postcode: 4152)

12/03/08

I can't believe it. It takes 2 minutes to get to Carindale Shopping center from that park, about 1 minute to get to Carindale Metropole, and about 1 minute to get to Carindale Villege. Yet this is just more proof of developers greed for money
Ashleigh (Postcode: 4152)

Tree Sparks Outrage (South East Advertiser 12/03/08)

10/03/08

I was sad to see that the beautiful Moreton Bay Fig Tree had bee removed. Yet again big business and developers seem to have little regard for what people want and just do as they please. How can they get away with this? Many people including myself, have registered objections to the killing of this lovely tree. I suppose we will now end up with a concrete jungle. I believe that the tree could have been incorporated into the design of a "small" shopping centre.
Jackie (Postcode: 4152)

10/03/08

Could someone please describe how to find the plans for the shopping centre on the BCC website, it is difficult to find. I am disgusted by the council's actions and they should be held accountable.
Amanda Williams (Postcode: 4152)

06/03/08
I just cried when I saw it...... since this seems to have been done before the court settled etc what can we do about it? Money talks and that is about it... they will do whatever they want no matter who is against it or why. Then we get in the mail that the Govt is doing everything to save vegetation, promote tree planting blah blah blah it is all a joke...
D Giufre-Sweetser (Postcode: 4152)

06/03/08
Peter Lovegrove is not aware of any mishandling of the application regarding the tree!! The facts speak for themselves - the tree has been cut down before the matter went to court - a permit was issued for it to be cut down and nobody was notified - that "trivial matter that should have been easy to resolve" was the fact that the Developer wanted to chop down the tree because it was in his way and the residents tried to stop it. And yes the current representative in council has provided comprehensive answers to resident's questions and kept us up todate at all times. We have seen all the relevant information from both parties - every fact - the development application is open for everyone to see on the Council Website - "ALL IT REQUIRES IS FOR CR SHCRINNER TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH ACCESS TO THE FACTS AT HAND" He has done that - you are missing the whole point - I want to know how it could happen that a permit to allow the tree to be cut down could be issued when it was going to be settled in court. Am I understanding this correctly? - you don't think there should be an inquiry into this matter because it was a "trivial" matter. I believed that the Moreton Bay Fig tree that had been growing for nearly 100 years was worth saving. I am not an unemployed crazy tree-hugger - I am a concerned resident of this community who understands only too well that a Developer's motivation is guided by profits and not people.
Lindy W (Postcode: 4152)

06/03/08
Please note that this is a copy of the posting I placed on Scrub Rd Extension Forum in response to Lindy's query. I didn't realise that she had put an identical post on both topics) Dear Residents, I am also concerned about the situation regarding the tree but am unaware of any mishandling of the application. In fact, I am told that this application has taken almost a year too long to approve because of the back and forth between the developer and council over trivial matters that should have been easy to resolve. In response to Lindy's post all I can say is that this is a question that should be posed to your current representatives in council. They should be able to provide comprehensive answers to residents' questions on this matter. They would have access to all relevant documentation including the arborist's reports from both parties. There shouldn't need to be an inquiry into this matter- all it requires is for Cr Schrinner to provide residents with access to the facts at hand. Sunday's forum will mainly deal with the concerns of residents over the Scrub Rd extension but I am sure many people would like to discuss other issues relating to their neighbourhood. By the way, the forum will take place in the "Village Green" -just off Amersham Cresent from 10-11am. Don't forget that if you cant make it on Sunday that I would be most pleased to receive your submissions via email. (Peter.Lovegrove@gregrowell.com.au) Regards Peter Lovegrove - Labor Candidate for Chandler Ward.
Peter Lovegrove- Labor Candidate for Chandler (Postcode: 4152)

6/03/08
It is an absolute disgrace this tree has been felled before the Land court ruling. In the past month the tree has been fenced off to try and convince the local community that it is unsafe - what a farce. The trunk and branches look pretty sound. I hope the arborist who claimed this tree to be hollow is taken to task and amde to justify to the community how he came to this decision. The developer needs the be made to replant the area and NOT be allowed to develop this part of the site. A strong message needs to be sent to the developers. The local community wishes have to be listened to.
Andrew (Postcode: 4152)

06/03/08
We have just received your enewsletter and can I say my wife and I are absolutely devastated about the loss of that beautiful fig tree. We had many happy photos taken there on our wedding day three years ago. We are currently living and working in Perth and although there is nothing we can do, we just wanted to express how sad we feel that the community have lost this well know landmark.
Jon and Erin Stapleton (Postcode: 6151)


06/03/08
I felt very sad when I drove out the end of our street last week and saw that the controversial Morton Bay Fig Tree was being cut down. I am guessing that beginning the job so early in the morning was a deliberate act to avoid spectators! I knew when the temporary fencing and the signs to beware of falling branches went up that that was just getting everyone ready for the next stage, the tree removal. What amazes me is that the residents were told the tree was only going to live a few more years, well I am no arborist but the trunk/branches all looked solid and healthy to me. I hope we get to find out who approved the removal of the tree before the upcoming election, given that so many residents and councillors were against it.
Moira (Postcode: 4152)

05/03/08

Good posting Lindy.The issue that frustrates residents is that any due process or choice is now lost. I would also like to table given the tree is now or soon to be woodchip I would hope the Council intends to make good with a significant contribution to the greenspace around the shopping centre and not just bung it on the developer to cover this complete stuff up. I looked at the plans of the development on the link to the council website and whilst the gardens look impressive they don't quite provide the shade or presence. Carindale is already a sea of roofs. So if this proposed development now included some more substantial plantings and incorporated public space for people to sit and talk to neighbours etc that might go someway to compensating the community under the circumstances.

Cameron Crawford (Postcode 4152)

05/03/08

Peter, you will be holding your community forum (Sun 9 March - 10am) virtually at the spot where the 100 year old Moreton Bay Fig was destroyed last Friday. I'd like some answers regarding the permit that was issued before the Court Case had been finalised. If I attend this forum will you offer some time for clarification & transparency about the useless destruction of the tree? - political sabotage? Developer Donation? or just a bureaucrat bungle - Can you dispell the rumours - and if this is not possible will you organise a petition(on the day) for residents to sign who want to know the truth about why this tree was cut down? You have just thanked the residents who have given you frank & honest comments about Scrub Road - please recipricate regarding the Fig Tree.
Lindy W (Postcode: 4152)

03/03/08

Thanks for the clarification Adrian and Steve. For Steve's benefit and as Adrian well knows through our exchanges I am a traditional Liberal voter but believe in voting in local government on policy not party lines. Your ongoing support of Adrian is commendable given you have long demonstrated your support for the Scrub Rd Extension however your assumption that anyone who doesnt support it is labor centric is inherently incorrect. Whilst I have not supported the road as a take it or leave it proposition,I have always and still do advocate for compromise as all many of us want is the matters of safety, speed, crossigns and footpaths addressed. For Adrian's benefit, I now expect that there will be a full and thorough investigation into this matter by the appropriate bodies given then end result is the tree is now woodchip and it is all a bit academic. Hopefully someone will be charged or named and shamed at a minimum. This is something that I look forward to vigorously persuing as a matter of interest. So if the court process was still underway when was the matter set down for if at all? I had been asking for some time so I could attend the proceedings to watch the proceedings if possible. I refer to Adrian's original posting..... This whole debacle is another example of how the current Labor-Liberal political balance in Council is just not working. Too often, the right hand doesn’t seem to know what the left hand is doing and in the end it’s the community that loses! He is certainly correct in stating that community loses out which is a continuing theme in Carindale, and at least we have an opportunity to consider the ongoing imbalance on the 15th whichever way you vote. Either way it is not serving any of us well.
Cameron Crawford (Postcode: 4152)

03/03/08
I am afraid Cameron Crawford's message includes some misinformation which cannot be left to stand unchallenged: 1) The Court process has NOT yet been finalised. It seems that a staff member in Cr Hinchliffe's department acted as the sole decision maker and issued a permit without consulting the relvant people, including myself. 2) Contrary to your claims, there is certainly no political benefit to anyone in the removal of this tree. To suggest otherwise defies reason. 3) From day one I have done everything within my power to save this tree. This is one of the key reasons Council DID NOT approve the original development application. We did not reach an agreement with the developer and hence the matter ended up in court. The real question that needs to be asked is how the removal of this tree could be permitted when the court process is still underway? Furthermore, why did it happen without any notification or consultation?
Cr Adrian Schrinner (Postcode: 4152)

03/03/08

Unfortunately, Mr Crawford's posting just dosen't make any sense. Is he honestly saying that Cr Schrinner wanted the tree to be cut down just prior to the election? Don't make me laugh! I am not a conspiracy theorist, but the only feasible conclusion we can reach is that the Labor majority engineered this situation to stir-up trouble for the Lord Mayor and Cr Schrinner in the lead-up to the election. I have logged onto this website since the early days and Mr Crawford's views have consistently followed the Labor Party line in every posting. The only "dead wood" around here are the people like Mr Crawford who can't see the wood for the trees!
Steve Johnstone (Postcode: 4152)

03/03/08

This is a joke. I too only just realised on the weekend that it was chopped down so thought I would have a look on Carindale Connect. I too want a shopping precint just so the cute NIMBY name callers are put to rest but I also want it done in a manner that adds value to the area and not just more traffic, hoons and grafitti. Perhaps the developer should call a community meeting, front up and take on board the communities input and needs....we might get this resolved quicker than being left in the hands of politicians and get a better outcome. Adrian Schrinner should hang his head in shame over this matter and over his posting on this site. He has used his last posting simply as a political posting along the lines of current advertising....and continues the blame game with no personal accountability. Any elected councillor has the duty to make real attempts to follow up and find out. How many times have people asked when the matter was to be heard and been told nothing. If the last follow up done according to these postings was in January then what was done between then and now. If the court hearing was finalised why did our councillor not get an update from council officers and if the permit was issued again how could our councillor be out of the loop. The question is where does the ineffectiveness lie? I have it on good authority that the aborists reports from both sides which came to the same conclusions were in the hands of all concerned parties some time ago and that any publicity around the axing of the tree had more to do with political expedience and timing due a little thing called an election on 15th March. If you feel let down over this and other matters concerning our community then this might be perfect timing to trim some more "Dead Wood" in Carindale.....
Cameron Crawford (Postcode: 4152)

03/03/08
The loss of this beautiful tree is a real blow to the local community. The first thing I knew about the events of last week was when a local resident telephoned my office to tell me the tree had been cut down. My initial reaction was to assume it had been removed illegally and I contacted Council’s enforcement branch to urgently act on the matter. It wasn’t until hours later that an officer from Councillor Hinchliffe’s Urban Planning department finally returned my call to inform me that a permit had been issued earlier in the week. Apparently the decision was made as part of the Planning and Environment Court appeal that has been ongoing since last year. Sadly, I was not notified or consulted about the removal of the tree. It seems that two separate arborist reports claimed that the tree was unhealthy and unsafe. I don’t claim to be an expert, but the cut wood looked healthy to me. I believe that local community has a right to know when controversial decisions like this are made, and when the local councillor is kept in the dark, residents are also kept in the dark. This whole debacle is another example of how the current Labor-Liberal political balance in Council is just not working. Too often, the right hand doesn’t seem to know what the left hand is doing and in the end it’s the community that loses!
Cr Adrian Schrinner (Postcode:4152)

29/02/08

Well as of this morning the tree is gone & from the look of the inside of the branches it was still very healthy. Interesting how a developer can get such a magnificant tree removed and yet we've been trying to get a noxious weed/tree (Camphor Laurel) removed for years that dwarfs our home & yet we can't because of a "protection order" on the green space. Significant double standards or I guess it depends on how much you can afford to pay for the right reports
Gail (Postcode: 4152)

16/02/08
Let's be realistic I guarantee you the majority of residents in this area are crying out for a reasonable sized shopping "hub" and as for competition from Westfield and Metropol not an issue. I am sure most people have just about had it with the nightmare parking and grossly marked up prices at Night Owl when you run out of convenience items. As for Westfield most exhausted working parents would rather stop on their way home and race in the front door to grab milk,bread etc than battle to get a park at Westfield to shop at Woolies which less face it has no fresh food contrary to their mantra they keep chanting on television. Bring on Coles and wait and see how the other two shopping options in this immediate area will suffer due to their poor service and product provided over the years.
Susan (Postcode: 4152)

15/02/08
Have just become aware of this issue and applaud your efforts to save such a magnificent specimen. Chopping it down for a shopping centre sort of flies in the face of Council's "Livable Brisbane" mantra doesn't it? We all pay bushland preservation levies on our rates and Councillors tell us that "green space" is an important component of our city - unless of course it gets in the way of potential revenue. Looking forward to hearing the results.

Lyn (Postcode: 4073)

15/02/08
I have lived here for 16yrs now and watched the ‘McMansions’ east of Scrub Rd rise from the dust – isn’t funny that none of you had any problems with your nice new homes going up?! Believe me, they are a far greater eye sore & environmental hazard than removing a single tree could ever be. Given the development/population in the area this complex is long overdue and will be great for local residents. Whilst it would be ideal to incorporate the tree into the development as a feature, we cannot afford to let A TREE over shadow the bigger picture and delay the development any longer. I’m sure a survey of the area would find most residents in favor of the complex, tree or no tree, and look forward to its completion.

Ben (Postcode: 4152)

14/02/08

Personally I don't like the fact that nature bears the cost of our human expansion, however, I acknowledge the fact that our local community does require certain development. In response to any development that requires the removal of the Moreton Bay Fig Tree, I am strongly against it unless there is a substantial plan from the developers to repair the damage to the local environment. Of course, though, in the case that the current proposal went ahead the developers would never be able to bring back the natural heritage of the Moreton Bay Fig Tree. This being said, I cannot see the development of a shopping centre in this location being very beneficial to either the local community or the developers themselves as they would be competing with both Westfield and Metropol. I believe that the location would be better used as a location for a Telstra internet exchange as the Carindale connection is presently so poor. An exchange would not necessarily require the removal of the Moreton Bay Fig Tree either as such a structure would be small enough to allow for both the Fig tree and a small field or park.

Hayden D (Postcode: 4152)

17/01/08

Would you please put these two links on your site. The first features an article about a magnificent Moreton Bay fig tree in California. This beautiful tree was declared an historic landmark 30 years ago in California. Dating back more than a hundred years ago, an unknown sailor from Australian carried the original sapling off his ship. The second refers to Moreton Bay fig tree in San Diego.  And a developer is going to court in order to cut our tree down because its in the way of his development ????

Lindy W (Postcode: 4152)

16/01/08

It's sad that some residents appear to express a greater passion for the development of a new shopping centre than protecting our local native environment. Let's protect our suburb's heritage and insist the development, if it must go ahead, integrate this beautiful tree. For those residents who strangely don't enjoy the area's natural beauty perhaps they should consider putting their place on the market and moving to an area where no VPOs exist.

David (Postcode:4152)

08/01/08

Hi, as most people would be aware, this development proposal is now in the hands of the State Planning and Environment Court. Due to the massive amount of development occurring across Queensland the court processes are often painfully slow. I contacted the Council's "Appeals Unit" yesterday to seek an update on this situation, but they were unable to provide me with any concrete timeframe for when they expect a final decision to be reached by the Court.
Cr Adrian Schrinner (Postcode: 4152)

01/01/08

Could some-one from our local council or any parties actually involved in this shopping center development please let us know what the possible time frame is looking like on this project??
James (Postcode:4152)

01/01/08

Thank-you Annie finally some-one with some common sense and a realistic viewpoint on modern day living.If it is viable for the Fig tree to remain then it would make a magnificent focus for the new shopping area however if not then for goodness sake move foreward and get this project underway. I would imagine the people most perturbed by this shopping center development are those who face onto the land. However at the time you purchased your land it would have been blatantly obvious that eventually this would have been the end result. I am positive that if a survey was conducted on this the majority of families would welcome this much needed convenience. For goodness sake we live about 12 km from the city and Carindale has become a huge entity in it's own right yet this particular section has no local amenities to walk to with our children. I suggest the "do gooders" out there put down their placards, put their house on the market, cash in on the huge profit they will make with their sale particularly if they built here 7 or more years ago and buy a nice piece of acreage somewhere more peaceful.
Susan (Postcode: 4152)

27/12/07

Let's get realistic, we need a local shopping area within walking distance in this ever expanding suburb. Although the fig tree is stunning and has always been part of this community, we are surrounded by thousands of trees and well maintained and popular reserve land. Why not put up a plaque in memory of the beloved Moreton Bay Fig or better still, name the shopping village after this iconic tree 'The Flying Fig' or include the tree in the logo. You 'FIGure' it out. Or how about being at the forefront of carbon friendly buildings - "be green" in all building decisions. Get local families using their feet for shopping and save on carbon emissions and parking frustration. Don't forget, people who are walking have time to smile and talk to each other, therefore enhancing a sense of community.

Annie Harding (Postcode: 4152)

26/12/07

Well, well well after years of waiting and being told a nice estate, community feel shopping centre will grace that area when we bought the land and built our house this is what is happening. I actually asked the developers back then when they had first released the land if the shopping centre would be built around the tree as I was aghast at it ever being removed. They of course said "Absolutely", yes and once again we see the seeds of development and money take over the history, heritage, and future of many generations. Why is there going to be a huge shopping centre, that is not what the land buyers were told originally, it will look ghastly for a start and why would anyone want offices or for that matter a huge complex in the middle of an estate? That is just ludicrous!! Now let us see the council does not allow you to touch any of the trees they have planted through the estate that are at times in the most ridiculous and evading of places but YET hack down what should be a heritage listed tree why don't you.......Appalling. Is there a petition that we can all sign to have a small shopping centre WITHOUT touching the tree in place??

Donna (Postcode: 4152)

8/10/07
Please integrate this Fig Tree into the proposed development and hurry up and get this underway. This area has such a huge sprawl of housing but no "village hub" to tie it all together and provide a community feel. We should be able to take our kids for a walk to some local shops nearby and have a coffee or ice-cream or be able to pick up a loaf of bread or milk on the way home from work. I for one am sick and tired of having to try to jostle to get a carpark at Westfield Carindale just to get a few essential items. I am also sick of the terribly laid out parking area at Metropol which at certain times of the day is bursting at the seams to accomodate the huge growth in the area as a convenience shopping area. Get with the times find a solution and get this project underway!!
Susan (Postcode: 4152)

13/08/07
Hi. I'm a town planning student at UQ and was considering studying the proposal as a controversial local planning issue. I was just wondering if there has been any other media coverage apart from the South East Advertiser, or where I can find out more information. By the way, it is great to see the views from both sides. Thanks.
Kristy Busiko (Postcode 4104)

6/08/07
Kay you are most probably right about the shopping centre being inevitable......I think most of us actually wouldn't mind some form of development as long as it is not over the top and meets the need of the local population as opposed to suiting the agendas of those who want to maximise their profits without regard for what a large development would bring. Your note raises some interesting points..... Yes the "streamlining of traffic" is required and is what is not being addressed by the council most of the time. Proper traffic management and calming will keep the flow at a safe pace and discourage hoons. I wonder how people will simply cross the street around the proposed shops....perhaps some crossings? I wonder what that will do to the traffic flow? You are right as are others who argue that one way in and one way out is a recipe for disaster but it is a reality for almost all newer areas in Carindale in that the council allows developers to build estates like this and allows them to build the main feeder roads as narrow inner suburban streets. So, I agree with Greendale Way being connected and let the area develop but take a wait and see approach to what the outcome is, but I don't agree with biting off more than we can chew by connecting Scrub Rd to Wecker at the same time. With regard to the one entry and exit for a lot of residents in the newer areas of Carindale why has the Council not made use of the power line easement by building connector roads right across that area of Carindale and in fact link it right through to Greendale way if possible. The council has not even made any real attempt to develop this as parks and gardens.......the bottomline is that there is no money to be made.....they would rather spend millions of dollars connecting a new area to see hundreds of more ratepayers. Anyway, Greendale Way is getting connected and that is an ok outcome.....I just hope the sum of all the moving parts of the ongoing development add up to something worth waiting for that adds overall value to our area. We are still waiting for the council to advise when the issue of the shops and tree is going to court and what their alleged master plan for development is.
Cameron Crawford (Postcode 4152)

1/08/07
Yes, progress is inevitable, whichever definition of progress is applied. The addition of a shopping centre no doubt is inevitable too. I note that yesterday, 31 July, the removal of trees in Greendale Way occurred without notice. Perhaps the streamlining of traffic through our suburb is necessary, or not. I do wish that there was another entry/exit for Greendale for the practicality of traffic movement. This is still a growing demographic to have only one entry/exit point.
Kay Henderson (Postcode 4152)

24/07/07
WE WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO STOP DEVELOPMENT! Therefore, we must learn to integrate both man-made structures and the environment, harmoniously. It has been done before, it's not really that hard, actually, you would be surprised how well some plants and animals do in the presence of our man-made world. I know that while I drank my coffee I would rather be sitting at a table underneath the branches of such an iconic tree than nothing at all. Employ a company with good ecological values and environmentally friendly ideas to build the shops and let's let our children and our children's children enjoy the beauty of such a magnificent tree.
Rebecca (Postcode: 4152)

17/07/07
Why do we need another shopping centre but if we must why not build it into the shopping centre foyer as a feature like they up in north Queensland beaches like Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
Jenni (Postcode 4152)

16/07/07
We seem so concerned about a fig tree when we are on the verge of having all the traffic from Mt Petrie decending onto Pine Mountain road. What next, a 4 lane Pine Mountain rd to ferry the rush hour traffic backwards and forwards ? On top of this, the Scrub road extension ! Not sure how anyone would be quite so positive about these new extensions ! There is no doubt that we need some additional shops including a Coles, having to go Westfield Carindale to do grocery shopping is a tedious task. While every effort should be made to protect the tree, moving makes good sense.
Kevin (Postcode: 4152)

9/07/07
Now there's a stirling idea Kay......a good coffee shop. Even a balding middle aged dad like me would venture down the street with the other half and the kids for breaky on a sunday. It would be a great venue for a coffee club..... By the way I know the wheels of justice move very slowly but it has been three weeks since the councillors last posting about the date pending for this matter to be heard in the courts......is there any update?
Cameron Crawford (Postcode 4152)

04/07/07
There is nothing to debate, the Moreton Bay Fig Tree is a landmark and one that is to be treasured and respected. Clever marketing for the proposed development on the corner of Scrub Road and Greendale Way would be to use the tree as marketing tool. Use the shape for the shopping centre logo, leave enough land around the tree for it to be used as a mini park. The reality of business is to make money, therefore design the shopping precinct to have a 'village' atmosphere, not a clone of so many other concrete shopping developments. Perhaps we have enough large grocery stores nearby but smaller specialty shops would be in keeping with a 'people friendly' suburb. Nothing like a good coffee on a weekend morning or any other time. Attract people for quality shopping and not convenience.
Kay Henderson (Postcode 4152)

22/06/07
Peter, Your usage of Urban Village is a very apt term for what many of us would like but perception of what that might look like varies. To many Urban Village would be something local in feel, and something in a scale where it was not obtrusive or just another concrete tilt up box surrounded by bitumen. Perhaps something that has some scale but not overpowering to the eye or in the traffic it draws. A Coles Metro or express was always muted with some specialty shops. But what is being proposed now is simply huge. A huge Coles, specialty shops and a second floor of offices etc. I like your idea that this should be something that many of us can simply say that we are going for a walk to the shops rather than drive, perhaps bump into and catch up with people. If the there is takeaway food or an ice cream shop perhaps the tree could have some open space with benches or even the council put in some play equipment. If the tree was to be relocated do you have any suggestions of where, and would you still see it being the centrepiece of say a playground or public space? Your thoughts? By the way someone suggested to me the other day to ask if anyone knows the history of the tree given its obvious age and whether it being planted where it is so long ago comes with any significance?
Cameron Crawford (Postcode 4152)

21/06/07
I would welcome some more local shops. This would allow for many of us a quick walk to the shops rather that getting in a car and driving, using more fossil fuels. It would also give the area more of a feel of an urban village rather than part of a surburban sprawl. Trees of this size and stature and indeed greater have been very successfully transplanted in many places. I am sure that with the amount of care and attention that this tree would receive it would not only survive but go on to thrive for many more decades.
Peter (Postcode 4152)

18/06/07
Unfortunately I don't have any further news to report at this stage. I understand that we are still awaiting a court date. I will keep you posted when I have details.
Cr Adrian Schrinner (Postcode 4152)

18/06/07
Can you please advise where council and developer are up to with the land court and the fig tree issue?
Kellie (4152)

12/06/07
I emphasise with the comments and concerns of P. Murphy (29/3) in relation to the environmental impact of the increased traffic within this district - we have three major projects affecting the Greendale precinct - the extension through to Mt Petrie Road, the Wecker Road extension and then the development of the so called "small" shopping centre. On top of this, a proposal to make Scrub Road four lanes! What environmental impact will this have on local families. Not only will the local infrastructure be severely impacted upon, but then we have the additional noise, safety concerns, and pollution and here we are worrying about developers killing the tree...
Caron (Postcode 4152)

12/06/07
The fig must stay where it is. It is a landmark for our area. Moving it risks killing it....for what....some more shops....All we can see now is a sea of tiled roofs....thank god for the green corridors that we do have and that they are family friendly. We don't need a development of this scale in Carindale although many would agree that something of an appropriate scale would be welcomed. The larger the scale the more cars it brings....and trucks making deliveries....and therefore more pressure on roads. Some have suggested integrating the tree into a development and even using the tree in the name of the the development....not a bad idea. Perhaps if the developer integrated some meeting space, and play equipment more locals would walk down or drive and use it. This is all about profits for the developer and large supermarket chains competing for your dollars....so don't be fooled that community best interests come into it. This development is also linked into the need for Greendale Way and Scrub Rd to be connected so there is passing traffic to support a development of this scale. The developer has gifted the council the land to connect Greendale Way which is a small battle in the overall war to get to the main game..... Don't think for one minute that all of these issues are not inter-related. All of these issues have an impact on the quality of our lives, and that of our children and their safety. What is required is sensible and sustainable development done in an orderly and consultative process which benefits the immediate community first, and other parties who might benefit from this financially last. So this matter will now be decided in the Land and Environment court.....when. Can people attend so we can see how the council represents us in court? I would love to go and watch these proceedings. Does this court take any input from the community? Ie petitions? Don't give an inch on any of these issues until we get some better community engagement across the board on these inter-related matters. Recently comments in the South East Advertiser suggest that a few of us are suffering from a NIMBY...Not In My Back Yard....attitude.....well do you know what I for one do if it means our backyards become more of a concrete jungle with more roads to serve the needs of a lazy greedy few.
Cameron Crawford (Postcode 4152)

30/04/07
I've grown up with this fig tree. I moved to Carindale at age thirteen, and throughout adolescence I found peace in its branches. Our Moreton Bay Fig is an essential part of our community, and developers have no right to make decisions about something so close to our hearts. Furthermore, the tree is important both to local flora and fauna directly, and also indirectly, as a symbol of our commitment to the local environment. I am concerned that even if the tree does remain, the shock of construction work and increased car fumes will still harm our Fig, spelling its death. I would prefer to see this green space preserved as a picnic spot and play area. We are surrounded by shopping centres! Metropol is just down the road, as is another small set of shops at the base of Scrub Road. The large Westfield Carindale is five minutes away. Are we really so lazy as to require ANOTHER shopping centre nearby? If the shops are built, I would recommend a boycott. I, for one, will certainly not be shopping there. I would be interested to know what sort of action is being taken by other locals to save the Fig. If you're organising petitions or protests, contact me!
Zenobia Frost (postcode 4152)

29/04/07
The majority of comments up to and including 27/4/07 do not want the fig tree to be moved, let alone destroyed. Why can't the developer listen to what the residents who live here want. I understand the developer wants to maximise the yield on his investment - but at the expense of our environment? We bought land in December 1997 and was told then a small shopping centre would be built "soon". False hope in early 2001 dashed by September 11 (so we heard). So now in 2007 it may happen within 10 years (for us). However I've viewed the development application and it is not "small". If the Council (and its residents) cannot reach agreement with the developer on the tree, why can't the council have the developer donate the land under the tree's shadeline as part of the development application (or council purchase it with the Green levy we all pay in our rates). My family had a family friend who was a residential developer and he had to do this in 1987 - incidentally he had to "donate" the best piece of land in the 1 street subdivision! I hope the development goes ahead, however the fig tree must be preserved where it is! I and my family will walk (what with the price of petrol!) to get bread, milk etc as I'm sure lots of other locals will - for daily exercise, saving the environment and enjoying what a lovely suburb we have. It's better than the situation we have now - drive to Metropol (and can't get a park!) Cost of petrol and to the environment?
Kellie (postcode 4152)

27/04/07
I have just moved to the area and one of the key attractors for me was the fig tree. It warms my heart each time I go past in the car, and each time I walk past, I admire it greatly. We are priviledged to have such a neighbour. We can all shop at the already established centres, but a tree like this irreplaceable. Lets keep what is really important and feeds the soul.
Amanda Williams (postcode 4152)

26/04/07
On no account should this magnificent fig be removed. Surely it is about time we learnt to live in harmony with our environment and the removal of a healthy tree that is 80-100 years old should not be considered. As a local resident who passes this tree every day, surely we have some say in our own community.
Heather (postcode 4152)

24/04/07
I feel really sorry for this developer - its just a hundred year old tree that is standing in the way of his exciting development - and now he has to sue the council and take it to a higher court to get this development through - so much extra time, effort and money - and what will he tell his prospective supermarket tenant eager to get the groceries on the shelves - "No need to worry - I am confident that this geriatric tree won't stand in our way for ever. Maleny was controversial for a while but they managed to get past the Platypus Habitat thing and get the application through. And Maleny got over it" http://www.malenyvoice.com/pages/boycott.php
D Norman (postcode 4152)

1704/07
Readers may be interested to learn that this Development Application will now be decided by the State Planning and Environment Court. As a result of a number of issues, including the protection of the fig tree, Council has been unable to reach an agreement with the applicant regarding the proposed shopping centre. Council's stance on the tree has always been that we want to see it protected or transplanted to the park across the street (as an option of last resort). Given that an agreement was not reached, the applicant has requested that the matter be taken out of Council's hands and decided in court. I will keep residents updated on any further news regarding this important issue.
Cr Adrian Schrinner (postcode 4152)

29/03/07
The majestic Moreton Bay Fig cannot be cut down! Having such lovely trees around is the reason that you live in the suburbs. There are so many examples where developers can incorporate trees such as this one into the design of the centre. Lets make sure we keep this landmark. I am sure the developers will still make money - but leave the tree be! Our children will thank us.
Andrew (postcode 4152)

29/03/07
I am a local resident opposed to the development of the proposed shopping centre development located on the corner of Greendale Way and Scrub Road. I do not believe the development of this significantly sized shopping centre will be of any benefit to local residents who already have access to several established shopping centres (Carindale, Mt Gravatt, Upper Mt Gravatt, Cannon Hill, Samual Street shops) and local convenience centres (Metropol, Lower end of Scrub Road shops, Carina Heights, Mt Gravatt, Belmont and more) within 5-10 minutes of this proposed shopping centre. This means that for local residents in most cases they will be closer to existing shops than 5-10 minutes!!! The loss of an 80-120 year old, healthy, Moreton Bay Fig Tree would be a great loss to our community, our local history and future generations. When the remaining land in Carindale is fully developed for housing there will be no connection to what was once farming land. I am also opposed to the development of this shopping centre as the road system will be struggling to manage the additional 2000-5000 cars (quoted at a recent planning meeting by a BCC representative) expected by the Brisbane City Council and the Greendale Way developers using Greendale Way each day once this road is completed. I believe this number of cars to be conservative and does not take into account the residents of McKenzie nor the potential future residential development of land along Mt Petrie Road. A shopping centre with delivery trucks and vehicles constantly visiting the shops together with vehicles using Grendale Way as a local access road, a short cut from Old Cleveland Road or worse yet an alternative route when the Gateway Arterial traffic is jammed will create nothing but frustration and agitation to the local residents unable to move safely and with ease in their own suburb! If this proposed shopping centre development goes ahead and this beautiful tree is sacrificed "for the benefit of the local community, and to satisfy a community need" according to the developers and in the so called name of 'Progress', sooner or later we will inevitably be asking ourselves the question..."What have we done?"...
P Murphy (postcode 4152)

29/03/07
I recently emailed Adrian Schrinner to express my concerns I have for the removal of the Moreton Bay Fig tree and he promptly replied. Stating that he fully supports the protection of the fig tree and has asked council planners to do everything they can to preserve the tree. I think it is great that we have a member of council on our side! However he also stated that the vacant where the shopping centre is to go is privately owned. I was not aware of this and I’m wondering if you fellow tree support knew this. We need to preserve this tree for future generations! We all know in many years this area will be extremely busy with traffic and shopping centres, but it would be great to have a piece of preserved history right in the middle!
Conor Brown (postcode 4152)

29/03/07
I find it amazing and calming to think that as I walk past that beautiful fig tree it has been a resident of Carindale for longer than any of us. Have we the right or the inclination to remove it from its present position, I don’t think so. If we had to decide between a shopping centre and the tree I would vote for the tree every time. However, life is not always so straightforward. Surely a compromise can be reached, a slightly smaller shopping centre and leave that beautiful fig in its rightful place for the next generations to admire as much as we all have.
Lee-Anne James (postcode 4152)

29/03/07
I have read of the proposed shopping centre development at Scrub Road, and must register my horror at the proposed removal of the beautiful old Moreton Bay Fig Tree. We should preserve trees of this age, not remove or destroy. The developer has advised that they will move this tree, but what will happen if this is done. Will it survive? I believe that we do need a SMALL shopping village at this location, but we need to incorporate the features of the land that are existing not creating a "concrete jungle" there. I hope the Council will take note of the local communities feelings and not allow for the removal of this lovely tree.
Jackie Flynn (postcode 4152)

29/03/07
I have always enjoyed the tranquility of the Greendale area and the lovely old Moreton Bay Fig Tree adds to the beauty of the area. It seems a pity to say the least to remove the tree unless it is really dangerous to passers-by. Let's get an independent arborist to assess this tree. Also, do we really need a shopping centre here? Carindale Westfield, Metropole and Belmont are not that far away! Let's think again, and make the area better by adding a few more trees, not more cars and cash registers!
Anthony Robertson (postcode 4152)

28/03/07
How fortunate we are to have the tranquillity, peacefulness and beauty of this tree which has been with us for nearly one hundred years growing in our neighbourhood. If we cut it down and plant 100 new ones it will be our children's children that may appreciate the new trees we plant, although I think it more likely that the historians will just look back in dismay that we as a community allowed the developers to chop this tree down as an easy solution to build an underground carpark. Why would our community allow a development to proceed which did not incorporate this beautiful landmark? It makes no sense. Sure, we would all like to have a shopping facility there, it would be beneficial to most of us lviing in the area, but please, don't sacrifice this beautiful tree. Incorporate it into the design and let it live and be a feature of this development - and maybe one day some of us will meet for a coffee under the shade of this beautiful tree and recall the time that we as a community and a love of this beautiful tree, banded together so it would not be destroyed by a developers axe.
J Riseley (postcode 4152)

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