Protester saves tree from chop
A PROTEST to save a tree on the banks of Currumbin Creek has been successful, with Gold Coast City Council voting to not cut the 80-year-old tree down.
The council decided today to retain a camphor laurel tree it had earlier earmarked for removal to make way for stairs to a new underpass at Thrower Dr Bridge in Currumbin.
Lynne Hargreaves chained herself to the tree for four days and collected signatures of support while on her vigil.
Ms Hargreaves said on her second day of protest that the voice of the community was not being heard.
Councillor Chris Robbins said that after further consideration and listening to public concerns the stairs would not be built and the camphor laurel tree could be preserved.
"Any future decision to build the stairs would involve further public consultation," she said.
Work will now progress on the pedestrian and cycle underpass and footpath at the south-eastern end of the bridge.
The $700,000 project will provide pedestrians and cyclists with safer travel along the Currumbin Creek foreshore.
Cr Robbins said the underpass was part of a green link to allow people to walk and cycle in a safer environment in a beautiful part of the city.
The project is due for completion by the end of November.
Video: Thrower Dr tree protest
