Ailing fig faces final chapter

Historic Maleny fig tree faces rapid decline, safety measures in place

By Sonia Isaacs

A HISTORIC Moreton Bay fig tree, believed to be more than 200 years old, is in rapid decline due to a suspected fungal disease, prompting urgent care and safety measures by the Sunshine Coast Council.
The iconic tree, located within the Maleny and District Sports and Recreation Club (MDSRC) lease area, is on Council-managed land and has been identified as a high-value asset. Its deterioration, initially flagged by community members, has sparked concern among local residents and authorities.
When contacted by GC&M News, a Council spokesperson acknowledged the situation, confirming the tree’s vulnerable state.
“The large Green Moreton Bay Fig is on Council-controlled land, and we are responsible for its management,” the spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, the tree is in decline as a result of a suspected fungal disease. Figs are resilient trees, but the decline observed in this fig tree is aggressive.”
To combat the decline, Council has implemented a plant health care program, including soil conditioning and mulch remediation, to bolster the tree’s natural defences.
An exclusion zone will be established beneath the tree’s canopy over the coming week, with explanatory signage erected and seating, logs, and stones removed from beneath the canopy.
The Council warned of potential safety risks, with deadwood possibly falling from the tree’s canopy within the dripline of the tree. Weekly inspections will be conducted to assess its condition.
In a bid to preserve the tree’s legacy, Council is propagating cuttings.
“We are taking cuttings from the tree to grow in our nursery. In the event of the tree’s death, we will be able to plant these out and continue the provenance,” the spokesperson said.
MDSRC representatives expressed their sadness over the tree’s rapid decline. “We’ve been both surprised and saddened by the decline of this grand old fig, which we’ve monitored closely in recent months,” an MDSRC spokesperson said. “We’ve agreed on a plan of action that we would have to sadly describe as ‘respectful palliative care’ for a dying grand old fig tree.”
The Council spokesperson highlighted the importance of trees across its managed areas. “Council maintains 1180 recreation parks and open spaces, in which trees provide instrumental benefits like keeping our parks cool, supporting our local wildlife, and many other environmental values. Safety of the community in these areas is a priority.”