Level of Significance
- File
- Local
- Regional
- State
- National
Age (approx)
130yrsTrees
4Diameter
0.9mHeight - 22m
Details
- Remnant (Scientific)
- Outstanding species (Scientific)
- Landscape (Social)
- Contemporary association (Social)
- Park/Garden/Town (Historic)
- Person/Group/Institution (Historic)
- Attractive (Aesthetic)
Statement of Significance
The rich, fertile soil, temperate climate and the interest of many of its citizens in things botanical, has resulted in the Toowoomba region’s ability to grow a wide range of indigenous and non-indigenous plants. In 1860, the area was the first to hold an Agricultural Show in Queensland – 15 years before Brisbane. Walter Hill, the then Government Botanist and first curator of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, travelled to Toowoomba to advise with the design and planning of Queen's Park and street plantings in Toowoomba. He subsequently imported many tree species from Europe, Asia and other parts of the world to be planted there. Hill Street in Toowoomba is named in his honour. The town attracts many visitors in September for its famous Carnival of Flowers, where people come from near and far to enjoy Toowoomba’s many parks and gardens. Peacehaven Botanic Park is a remnant part of the dairy farm previously owned by Stan Kuhl of Highfields, Toowoomba, who gave this area to the Crows Nest Shire Council (now amalgamated into the Toowoomba Regional Council) to preserve it and its remnant native flora and broad scenic vistas as a place of peace and tranquility for future generations. Peacehaven Botanic Park collects and grows nationally and internationally threatened species of plants. These native eucalypts are a result of natural forest regeneration probably before the late nineteenth century. They have been chosen to commemorate Stan Kuhl, who farmed this land. Wishing to protect the land, the trees, and the vista westwards to the Bunya Mountains and to establish a place of peace, harmony and tranquility for the local community, he gave 4.7 hectares of land surrounding his house on Kuhl's Road to the Crows Nest Shire Council in December 2004 as botanic parkland, together with $100,000 to establish the first phase of park development. Unfortunately Mr Kuhl died soon after the gift. The walkway below these trees has been named The Stan Kuhl Way in his memory. They are impressive old trees shading the circular driveway and car park. The trees have a significant presence and history, worthy of Sir Hans Heysen's brush.
These trees are remnants of the original open eucalypty/bloodwood forest and are outstanding examples of their species. They make significant contribution to the landscape of this historic park which was formerly a dairy farm. The park has contemporary association with the community as it provides a peaceful recreational area and has an active Friends of Peacehaven Botanic Park voluntary organisation. The park is associated with Stan Kuhl, who gave this area to the council for the use of future generations. They are great looking trees that are better than an average examples of their species.
The trees are located bordering the northern and north-eastern part of the circular drive, inside the gate.
Notes
The Friends of Peacehaven Botanic Park Inc. is a voluntary community-based group that strives to achieve Stan Kuhl's vision by working with Toowoomba Regional Council to maintain and develop the park, its trees and other native plants, and its facilities. The Friends raise funds, run a native plant nursery with sales to the public, prioritise the planting of local native plant species and endangered Australian trees and shrubs, run school and community workshops and working bees, and promote the park and its concepts. The crow’s ash tree in the park is an important symbol of the Friends of Peacehaven Botanic Park Inc.