Axed splash park trees will be replaced, vows council

Port Douglas Splash Park

Shaun Hollis

Journalist

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The red area indicates the projected tree canopy at Jalunbu Park. Picture: Douglas Shire Council

Douglas Shire Council has moved to allay community fears of a loss of trees at the site of the new $3.3m splash park, saying 11 have been “strategically selected” to be removed and more will be planted once construction ends.

Out of 66 trees at Jalunbu Park, situated behind the Port Douglas Surf Club, 11 were removed this week, but no more would be taken out, a council statement sent to Newsport Daily reads.

The council representative was asked if this would be the total number of trees being removed.

“Yes, for the construction of the splash park,” the statement read.

“More trees will be planted after construction has been completed.”

A mudmap of the canopy provided by the existing trees at the site was also provided (see attached).

“The design and layout of the splash park has been specifically created to take advantage of this natural shade,” according to the statement.

A shade sail at the northern end was also part of the plan.

“Due to the height of some park equipment, the southern end does not have a shade sail,” the council stated. 

“However, footings for a potential shade sail have been incorporated into the design for future inclusion if required.”

Port Douglas resident Rosie Wang, who has campaigned in the past to save trees during developments in areas including Warner Street, said it was hard to avoid taking out the four main ones in the middle of the park, but the other seven should have remained.

“I feel the design is unsympathetic,” she said.

“I could have designed that water park myself and done a better job.”

The council’s community consultation was not adequate enough, she said.

“They should give people a better indication of what they are voting for.”

Going forward, Ms Wang would like to see the introduction of a significant-tree register in the Shire to help protect more mature trees.

The water-based playground will include a nature-themed splash park with a 400sq m splash pad, new footpaths, picnic shelters, a barbeque area and a carpark upgrade.

The play area will include nozzles that can shower, spray, rain, mist, dump or shoot steams of water.

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