Bundaberg Regional Council will remove part of a Zunker Family Memorial Pine, situated on the Bargara foreshore, due to concerns over the tree’s health.
The decision follows deterioration in the tree’s condition, which was first noticed by members of the public at the end of September 2024.
Natural Resources and Environment portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels said the discoloration in the tree’s crown prompted Council to begin monitoring its health.
“At this stage, Council is only removing a section of the tree that has died, which appears to be around six metres in height,” he said.
“While the cause of the deterioration remains uncertain, Council is investigating the possibility of a pathogenic infection, such as Neofusicoccum parvum (Norfolk Pine Canker), or it could simply be an environmental response.
“Norfolk Pines sometimes lose their ‘leader’ only to regrow it later.”
The tree, which is part of the Zunker Family Memorial Pines, stands approximately 30 meters tall.
They have become a defining feature of the Bargara foreshore, planted in 1954 in memory of Charles and Mary Zunker.
Charles and Mary were tragically caught in a fire while burning off on their cane farm in November 1953.
Mary’s father Carl Langbecker, who owned Langbecker’s Nursery, donated the 27 Norfolk Island Pines to the community to frame the coastal promenade.
The trees are listed on Bundaberg Regional Council’s Local Heritage Register which said the tree planting was supported by the community.
Cause to be investigated
Council will send the removed tree part for testing to confirm the cause of the deterioration.
“While we are hopeful the tree will continue to thrive after the removal of the dead section, we are committed to ensuring public safety and minimising any risk,” Cr Bartels said.
“If full removal of the tree is ultimately required, Council is hopeful to replace it with a new Norfolk Pine.
“Staff are also planning to undertake some minor maintenance on two adjacent pines to reduce the potential for future defects.”
The works are scheduled for Wednesday, 18 December, weather permitting.
As the section being removed is relatively small, impacts to traffic and pedestrians are expected to be minimal, with only a handful of car parks to be affected.
There seems to be an increase in the number of Norfolk Island pines dying off recently. “While the cause of the deterioration remains uncertain, Council is investigating the possibility of a pathogenic infection, such as Neofusicoccum parvum (Norfolk Pine Canker), or it could simply be an environmental response.”