Mackay Port Authority MPA acts on tree safety Article first published on Monday, 26 July 2004 @ 3:08:13 PM

The Mackay Port Authority is encouraging people to keep out of the Norfolk Pine grove at the northern end of Old Mulherin Park as strong winds continue to bring down branches.

Mackay Port Authority environmental manager Scott Keane (left) and parks worker Lance McDonald collect some of the dead branches broken off by strong winds in Old Mulherin Park.

Environment manager Scott Keane said a senior Brisbane-based arborist recently inspected the grove and identified a significant number of trees that were dead or in a very poor condition.

The arborist has raised safety concerns with the Mackay Port Authority.

Mr Keane said the expert had given the MPA a verbal report on the grove and suggested a number of trees should be removed immediately in the interests of public safety.

“The Mackay Port Authority has a duty of care to ensure the pine grove area is safe,” he said.

Mr Keane said workers today removed a number of trees of concern.

He said the MPA was now awaiting a written report from the arborist before deciding if further action was needed.

“The trees were first planted in 1958 and over the past 10 years a large number of trees have been removed,” Mr Keane said.

“As the pines age they tend to lose their lower branches – and we are also concerned that our own park workers could be at risk.”

Mr Keane said he expected to receive a written report on the condition of the grove later this week.

“In the meantime, I’m just asking people to steer clear of the grove area,” he said.