The Fraser Coast now has an official tree, with Council today adopting the Kauri Pine as a symbol of the region’s culture, history and natural environment.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the Kauri Pine grows naturally on K’gari and the mainland and was a fitting symbol for the region.
“The Kauri Pine is deeply connected to the story of the Fraser Coast,” he said.
“It represents strength, endurance and the deep connection between our community and the natural environment. The Kauri Pine can live for more than a thousand years and grow up to 50 metres tall, making it one of Australia’s most impressive rainforest trees.”
Cr Seymour said the Kauri Pine played a significant role in the Fraser Coast’s early timber industry.
“By the 1860s, Kauri logs harvested from K’gari and surrounding forests were milled in Maryborough, helping establish the region as a centre for timber export, engineering and manufacturing,” he said.
“Demand for Kauri timber also contributed to the construction of Queensland’s first steam locomotive, Mary Ann, built in Maryborough in 1873.”
Cr Seymour said the species also held important cultural connections for the Butchulla People.
“Known traditionally as Nunmoola, the tree was used for medicine and tools and features in stories linking people to Country,” he said.
The Kauri Pine will be acknowledged through Council’s website and may be used in educational, environmental and ceremonial contexts.
The Mayor today planted a Kauri Pine at Brendan Hansen Park in Granville in memory of the late Peter Olds OAM, who first suggested the species as the Fraser Coast’s arboreal emblem.
Cr Seymour said the designation also created opportunities to highlight the region’s natural heritage.
“There are opportunities to incorporate Kauri Pine plantings into community tree planting events such as World Environment Day, National Tree Day and other environmental initiatives,” he said.
