Campaign to Save Trees Amid Shute Harbour Road Upgrade

The Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) has been actively campaigning to save trees threatened by the proposed widening of Shute Harbour Road between Paluma Road and the Tropic Road roundabout.

WCC explained that they first met with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in February 2023, after it was announced that work would begin on preparations for the widening of Shute Harbour Road, including moving power lines, reconstructing pathways and removing trees and vegetation.

WCC stated that further on-site meetings have been held over the past couple of years. At a recent meeting, WCC was advised that these “enabling” works are about to continue up to Macarthur Road, although no date has been set for the actual widening of the road.

Since the initial meeting, WCC have said that TMR has responded to their concerns and altered some plans. Trees that were originally marked for removal will now be retained, and several overhead streetlights due to be relocated have been repositioned to keep other trees in situ. WCC stated that they and TMR liaised with Whitsunday Regional Council when large garden beds were removed, taking hundreds of cuttings, repositioning succulents and relocating some palm trees off-site.

WCC have stated that the large old mango tree opposite Valley Drive, which lies directly in the path of the planned road extension, cannot be saved and will be removed later this week.

“No doubt whoever planted this tree could not have envisaged that one day Shute Harbour Road at Tropic Road intersection would need to be 4 to 6 lanes wide,” WCC Secretary Faye Chapman said.

WCC has said they received assurances from TMR that all the Indian almond trees close to MacArthur Drive, important food sources for Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, will be retained except for one tree with a rotten core. Two other large habitat trees will also be retained.

WCC noted that these trees will need trimming to accommodate the repositioning of overhead powerlines but will not be cut down. They also provide much-needed shade over the existing walkway. Negotiations continue with TMR to protect a large stand of remnant gum trees adjacent to Waite Creek and the Big 4 Adventure Whitsundays bus stop.

“This stand of mature trees has been there for a very long time. Well before Airlie Beach developed into the community it is now,” Faye Chapman said, adding that “WCC was appreciative of TMR’s input into these continuing discussions.”

“Of course, it would certainly help if in the future, TMR is planning to expand roads or move powerlines that they consult with environmental groups such as WCC before the advanced planning stage.”

“By doing so, concerns could be made known and awareness of aspects of the local conditions raised earlier. This would allow better protection for our local environment including these beautiful old trees that are part of our heritage.”

In response to media enquiries, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said it is great to see the upgrade getting underway.

“This section between Paluma Road and the Tropic Road roundabout is a key connection for residents, workers and visitors, and widening it to four lanes will make a real difference to safety and traffic flow.”

“Council has been advocating for these improvements for some time, so it’s fantastic to see the Department of Transport and Main Roads progressing the works.

“As the road owner, TMR is leading delivery of the project and is best placed to provide detailed updates as construction moves forward.”

The WCC has stated that they will continue to work closely with TMR and Council to protect as many trees as possible and to ensure environmental considerations are included in infrastructure planning.

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L to R: WCC Faye Chapman, TMR Chris Spiteri, Nicholas
Gibson/Vassallo Constructions and TMR Nick Ryan meet on
site Shute Harbour Rd Cannonvale. Photo supplied.