Level of Significance
- File
- Local
- Regional
- State
- National
Age (approx)
40yrsTrees
1Diameter
2mHeight - 16m
Details
- 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. Mothers’ Memorial Gardens are adjacent to a section of East Creek Park' which adjoins the heritage listed Queen's Park' and is a part of the East Creek corridor that links the Water Bird Habitat to the south with Lake Annand and Joseph Leadbetter Park to the north. It is a popular recreational area for the local community. The gardens feature a large monument which was built by mothers to honour their soldier sons who did not return from the First World War. This tree is associated with the conservation group 'Greenwatch' who chose it for planting in the early 1980s as its symbolic tree for its large size, health, attractive appearance and central location.
The tree is outstanding for its height, trunk circumference and canopy spread and is an outstanding example of the species. It is the largest, thickest and presumably oldest swamp cypress tree in Toowoomba, growing in a favourable habitat beside but not in water.
It makes a significant contribution to the park landscape in this historic town. It is an important part of a central city park that is a popular recreational area for the local community. It is associated with an important person, group or institution, as it was chosen by Toowoomba Greenwatch Inc. in the early 1980s as its symbolic tree for its large size, health, attractive appearance and central location. It is a really great looking tree and a better than an average example of its species
The tree is located In the north-western corner of the park, between the north end of the lake and the bridge under which East Creek flows below Margaret Street.
Notes
Toowoomba Greenwatch Inc. was the earliest conservation group in Toowoomba and was very effective. This group formed in 1981 and continued until about 2000. The group’s aim was 'To Protect Toowoomba's sylvan image' at a time of rapid development and redevelopment of the city. During the 1980s and early 1990s members of the group were involved in a number of activities.
Toowoomba Greenwatch Inc.established an annual Greenweek, which included tree planting and an environmental fair with plant sales. This continues today as Gardenfest. Toowoomba Greenwatch Inc.persuaded Toowoomba City Council to retain at least 10% of any development as open space and with any established trees preserved. Toowoomba Greenwatch Inc.wrote and published 65 articles in the Toowoomba Chronicle on 'Toowoomba's Beautiful Trees' as well as other articles on matters relating to trees in Toowoomba. The group also lobbied Toowoomba City Council effectively on many environmental issues. Toowoomba Greenwatch Inc.gave advice to many Toowoomba citizens on tree selection, planting and management.