Mackay Port Authority Woodturners in a spin over pine grove Article first published on Friday, 30 July 2004 @ 11:22:50 AM

Mackay woodturners are in a spin over plans by the Mackay Port Authority to axe a number of dying Norfolk Island Pine trees at the harbour.

Mackay Woodturner's association committee member Neville Helsham gets a helping hand from Greg Steward from the Mackay Port Authroity to load a trailer at the harbour.

The Curator of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Ross McKinnon this week issued a detailed report on the deteriorating and unsafe condition of the pine and palm grove at the northern end of old Mulherin Park.

Mr McKinnon – one of Queensland’s most respected arborists – found many of the pine trees were dead and stressed and in the final five years of life.

He found a combination of climatic conditions and an unsuitable environment were killing the 46 year-old grove.

But the decaying pines will be put to good use – much to the appreciation of Mackay’s 80-strong member woodturner’s association

Committee member Neville Helsham hit the jackpot when workers removed another dozen sick trees yesterday.

Mr Helsham said the local association often struggled to find a suitable supply of timber, particularly Norfolk Pine.

Mr Helsham displays bowls he's crafted from Norfolk Pine.

The pine trees are destined for lathes throughout Mackay and will be transformed into local craft items, such as bowls and platters.

Mr Helsham said he was surprised at the poor condition of the grove.

“I can remember coming here years ago. You wouldn’t believe it was the same place,” he said.

“The trees are in a very poor state.”

Mackay Port Authority environmental manager Scott Keane said an assessment of the grove was underway.

Mr Keane said the timber would be stockpiled by the MPA and was available on request.