The Scenic Rim Regional Council plans to replace the four Evergreen Ash trees with four more trees.

This information was revealed by Cr Marshall Chalk on Monday.

Where the new trees - a Golden Penda and three Lemon Myrtles - will be planted was not revealed.

And Cr Chalk said, in his opinion, Council had not clearly or effectively communicated with the community.

“I spent some time on Saturday morning speaking with concerned residents at the planned protest regarding the removal of trees in Boonah,” he said. 

“What was apparent to me after those conversations, and others via email and phone, is that information regarding the purpose of the tree removals and the steps undertaken to alleviate some of the impact of this decision by council was not clearly or effectively communicated to the community.” 

He added that Council was aware of the impact the proposed tree removal would have in the community.

“[Council officers] have attempted in a few ways to minimise this impact most notably by replacing the four proposed tree removals with four replacement trees albeit in other locations in the main street. 

“I have also requested that should this go ahead, the replacement trees be ‘ex-ground’, which Council has agreed to in order to speed up growth time and provide shade faster.” 

Turning to the issue of consultation, Cr Chalk said he agreed that … “consultation and communication around this issue and many others has not been to a standard which I and the community is comfortable with and I have put this directly to the CEO and council officers. 

“We need to review council policies and procedures to ensure better outcomes for the community and that they are consulted and informed.” 

On the biosecurity aspect Cr Chalk said he believed Council needed to be responsible in their actions not to add any more potential threats to waterways and bushland. 

“I believe that the town revitalisation project, on a whole, will be a fantastic outcome for the town of Boonah whilst recognising the proposed removal of these trees [will have] a big impact on many in the community.”

Other trees not on Council hit-list … yet

THE Scenic Rim Regional Council has no immediate plans to rid public land throughout the region of invasive tree species.     

Mayor Greg Christensen made this statement in response to a rumour that Council had a region-wide target of destroying more than 100 trees in addition to the four Evergreen Ash in High Street, Boonah.     

But he added a rider.     

“Council will continue to review the existence of invasive trees in public spaces, and will act responsibly to reduce the risks to our spectacular environment by removing and replacing over time as site specific assessments deem appropriate.”