Jan Allen reports that submissions have been made to protect remnant callitris on the Gold Coasts. Jan and others (including the Veteran Tree Group Australia) have been busy working with Burleigh State School on the Gold Coast to help manage a very significant population of remnant (some potentially very old) native coastal cypress (Callitris columellaris).
Recently, the Burleigh to Springbrook Nature Corridor Group (BSNCG) has made a nomination of the Burleigh Heads State School to the Queensland Heritage Register to recognise and protect its significant values – in particular the original school buildings (built 1935-1958) of which no other examples exist on the Gold Coast, and a rockery wall built by relief workers during the Depression. Most importantly the remnant coastal cypress (Callitris columellaris) trees have been included.
The oldest of these trees are estimated at 500-1000 years old; they represent a vanishing community and the largest remaining population on the mainland Gold Coast other than at Pine Ridge Reserve. Several of the trees host native bee hives and there is an association on the site with the pink nodding orchid (Geodorum densiflorum), a threatened species south of the Queensland border, which is also becoming scarce in South East Queensland due to coastal development (see https://threatenedspecies.bionet.nsw.gov.au/profile?id=10349).
While the trees’ ages have not been verified, the largest (1200mm dbh), oldest tree compares in size and characteristics to one growing on North Stradbroke Island that has been dated at approximately 1000 years by the Queensland Herbarium.
“We are sure these are remnant trees, not planted. The site is of significance to the Kombumerri people, and originally a Kombumerri campsite for men and women, associated with the nearby Jebribillum Bora at North Burleigh, so has been used as a gathering place for millenia,” says Jan. “The School was sited in this location in part due to the attractive amenity provided by the shady trees, mentioned in old documents and reflected in the school song as follows.”
“By the ocean blue and the glittering sands,
Near the pine trees remembered of old,
You will find a school that proudly stands
Our dreams and our memories to hold.”
“Sadly, we have recently learned that the school is currently doing a master plan and have plans to demolish some of the buildings of which there are no other examples on the Gold Coast. We are particularly concerned that the veteran and historically significant trees will be demolished or damaged unless they are protected through legislation.”
Submissions closed on October 28. There is more information about the listing on the DESI website.
Read the submission HERE
