Chinderah's famed fig tree falls
CHINDERAH Tavern's giant fig tree has gone.
The owners organised its removal because of safety concerns.
But the proof is in the pudding and the real proof was evident once the tree was felled.
"Too bad if it wasn't really rotten," said Chinderah resident Stephen Wormleaton.
"It's too late once it's gone."
With great debate over whether the tree should have been preserved or removed to prevent what appeared to be white ant devastation that could spread to the hotel itself, there were mixed feelings about its demise.
Cr Katie Milne raised the issue at this month's council meeting, pushing for safeguards against the possibility of similar trees being wrongly felled.
She was visibly angry over the removal of Chinderah's iconic fig.
"I hold the six other councillors personally responsible for the loss of this 135+ year old white fig tree at the Chinderah Tavern," she said.
She claimed they failed in their obligations to protect a heritage item known to be at risk.
Councillors voted 1-6 against the subject being a matter of urgency.
In a statement, Chinderah Tavern owner the Taphouse Group said the sad decision to remove the tree was taken because of concerns for community safety and further deterioration of the tree.
"To ensure the Chinderah fig would survive as part of the community, saplings were previously taken and planted at a local nursery," the statement says.
"These saplings are growing well and will be planted in the community when ready.
"This will ensure that the spirit of this wonderful fig will live on for generations to come."
Whatever your opinion, a treasured and beautiful aspect of Chinderah has gone forever.
It has saddened many residents of the riverside community.
