Sherwood Arboretum’s century-old Kauri Avenue could lose 35 Queensland kauri pines under a proposed three-year replacement program for its southern section.
An official letter dated 8 September, shared publicly on social media, reveals plans to progressively fell and replace the trees along Sir Matthew Nathan Avenue, while retaining seven kauris assessed in good condition. The proposed strategy follows an April 2026 community briefing and subsequent review of feedback, technical assessments and expert advice.
A petition challenging the plan closes on 19 November 2026, urging Council to halt removals until alternative options are investigated. Principal petitioner Cr Nicole Johnston of Fairfield Ward asserts that only two trees are dead and claims 85 per cent remain in fair or good condition.
Signatories are requesting like-for-like replacement of the two dead kauris, further investigation into non-destructive alternatives and funding for a dedicated management plan to protect living trees.
Paperbark proposal
Council’s preferred replacement species is the Weeping Paperbark (Melaleuca leucadendra), chosen for site suitability, establishment prospects, climate resilience, retention of avenue character and nursery availability. Advanced specimens of about 100-litre size are earmarked for planting.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Removal and replanting would be staged over three years, subject to obtaining a Heritage Exemption Certificate from the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
Plans also include potential community involvement in future planting. Friends of Sherwood Arboretum received technical information, reports and presentations following the April briefing.
Environmental pressure on low ground
Growing conditions at the southern end of the avenue have suffered for years due to proximity to the Arboretum’s wetlands, where a high water table and periodic flooding create harsh soil environments. Previous management strategies included raising 12 kauris on soil mounds to keep root systems clear of waterlogged earth.
Investigations into the site’s lakes examined water quality, erosion, sedimentation and how summer rainfall elevates the local water table. Rising floodwaters submerged a large section of Kauri Avenue during the 2022 flood event that inundated much of the Arboretum.
A 2023 update identified seven dead kauris attributed to the combined effects of the floods, high water tables and elevated soil salinity. Those trees were originally marked for like-for-like replacement after removal.
A century of heritage
Kauri Avenue has formed a core element of the 15-hectare Sherwood Arboretum since its official opening in 1925. Prominent citizens and community leaders—including Queensland Governor Sir Matthew Nathan and Brisbane’s first Lord Mayor William Jolly—planted the original 72 Queensland kauris on 21 March 1925.
The site was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 3 May 2007. The botanical collection comprises more than 1,000 native trees representing over 250 species, with the kauri feature widely recognised as its centerpiece.
Previous management approaches focused on preserving affected kauris or replacing dead specimens individually. The current proposal would introduce a different species to part of the historic avenue for the first time in its 100-year history.
Published 22-Sept-2026
