Poisoned trees to be planted in Noosa Heads

Poisoned trees next to a luxurious Noosa Heads apartment complex will not be removed but have vines planted around them to keep them upright, the local council said.

A Noose Shire Council investigation found a clump of 12 trees that border the Noosa River on private land were killed with herbicide.

The trees were reported by residents in January.

The council's development assessment manager Kerrie Coyle said the trees included Bribie Island pines that were estimated to be about 60 years old.

She said they killed some really old, mature trees.

This is an important wildlife corridor with koalas travelling from Noosa National Park all the way along there. The council suspects the trees were poisoned by a resident hoping to improve their view.

This area looks out over Noosa Sound towards Noosa Heads, Coyle said.

We suspect that the trees were poisoned to open up views, but we're not sure. The council will not remove the trees, but instead work with the body corporate of the Settler's Cove apartment complex to plant native vines that keep them upright.

The body corporate will work with the council to plant replacement trees, instal nest boxes to support native wildlife and remediate the soil to remove the herbicides.

The area is part of a protected vegetation covenant on privately owned land.

Anyone found to poison, damage or clear native vegetation in breach of a planning scheme will be liable for infringements and possible prosecution by the council.

The local government is urging members of the public to come forward with information.

If people are concerned about trees and feel that they should be removed, they need to come in and contact the council before taking things into their own hands.