More than 50 new, native trees will replace 30 trees along Thuringowa Drive that were damaged by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.
The new Buckinghamia celsissima trees, commonly known as the ivory curl tree or the spotted silky oak, require minimal upkeep and thrive in Townsville’s dry tropics climate.
Divisional councillor Kurt Rehbein said planting trees along the thoroughfare would have a positive impact on the area.
“Trees are naturally cooling, they help bind soil together to reduce erosion, they improve air quality, and they reduce noise pollution – these are all big plusses for our community in Thuringowa Central,” Cr Rehbein said.
“The trees we’re replacing were badly damaged during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, leaving them with what’s known as epicormic growth, which is when the branch won’t form correctly to the trunk and may fall or snap in a storm.
“We want our community to be as safe as possible, which is why we’re replacing these trees with ivory curl trees grown at Council’s very own dry tropics nursery. These trees are endemic to North Queensland and are very hardy, so they won’t require much maintenance from our gardening crew.
“The tree also hosts cornelian butterflies and a number of other pollinators, which is great for our city’s environmental health.”
Cr Rehbein thanked commuters for their patience during the tree planting process.
“Council has reached out to residents and sporting clubs about the impacts this planting process will have on them, and I want to say thank you for their cooperation during this process,” he said.
“As we remove the old trees and plant the new ones we may have to temporarily close some parking bays. There will also be some machinery along the side of the road, so I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone passing through the area for their patience and for keeping our crew safe by driving carefully.”
The tree removal and planting project will start on Monday 16 September and will take about 10 weeks to complete, weather and conditions permitting.
