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Statement of Significance

The rich, fertile soil, temperate climate, and the interest of many of its citizens in things botanical, has resulted in 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. Freneau Pines Park was named after Florence Freneau, who was mother superior of Our lady of Our Sacred Heart Boy’s school that was established in the area about 1947, after being relocated from Eagle Farm in Brisbane. A former student recalls that on one section of the property there were two rows of very large Norfolk Island Pine trees forming a driveway to a deserted house. In a visit, some years ago, he recalled that some of the pine trees remained and that a water tower now stands somewhere near where the house stood. In the area close to the house there was a very large Macadamia tree and a Bunya Nut Pine Tree. This Ombu Tree is a massive, evergreen tree native to the Pampa of South America. This tree was planted about twenty years ago by the late Keith Atholl, who lived in the house to the north of the tree. He is understood to have planted it because it would be an attractive flowering tree.
This tree is of horticultural value as it is the only one of its kind in Toowoomba. It is in a unique location or context as it is the only example of this exotic species in Toowoomba. It makes a significant contribution to the landscape of this historic park. It has contemporary association with the local community, members of which value their parks and gardens. It was planted by a community member, the late Keith Atholl. It is an interesting looking tree.
The tree is located in north-western corner of the park, about 20 metres north of the large concrete water reservoir, overlapping a Cupressus sp. on the eastern side.