COMMUNITY groups will miss out on tens of thousands of dollars in donations after owners of the site of possibly Australia’s most photographed tree made the decision to close their gates permanently following complaints to council.
Over the past 25 years the Woods family has allowed access, along with a donation, to ‘One Tree Hill’ at their Mountain View Road property in Maleny.
One Tree Hill was hugely popular, especially with newlyweds, with the stunning location providing the perfect backdrop for their special days.
Proceeds were passed on to local community groups and charities throughout the Blackall Range, estimated to be between $10,000-$12,000 per year.
However, following a small number of complaints to council, the family announced that as of February 2023, they will no longer allow visitors to the private property. Francis Woods, son of the property’s owner, Florence, said that it was not the decision the family wanted to make but pressure from council had forced their hand.
“It’s not what we wanted to do, but we felt we were forced to make this decision as the pressure has been a lot,” he said.
“There was pressure that they consider the space as commercial, which would come with a whole range of changes. “We don’t have a commerical interest.” A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed Council has received complaints about the use of the property for wedding ceremonies.
“Council received a complaint in 2021 relating to the use of this property for wedding ceremonies and a further complaint in October 2022 in relation to the continuation of wedding ceremonies,” a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said. “On both occasions Council officers have written to the owner of the property informing them that the use of this property for a Function facility is unlawful and a development permit must be sought before the use can lawfully operate on this property.”
Since the family’s announcement there has been an outpouring of support from community groups, businesses and members of the community and afar, taking to social media to thank the family.
A Maleny Historical Society spokesperson, whom the Woods family have regularly donated proceeds to over the years, shared their gratitude to the Woods family for their ongoing support.
“We thank Mrs Woods for her generosity over the years,” they said.
Visit Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s, Kerry Brown, said the family had been incredibly generous in allowing people to enter their private property, and donating to the community. “It was their decision to close access and we understand there are reasons they had to make that decision,” Kerry said.
“But there are many, many beautiful places throughout Maleny and surrounds and we’re lucky the region is full beautiful spots.” Mr Woods, has offered an alternative destination at his Booroobin property, where he operates a working dairy farm. Access to the property will strictly be by booking.
