Level of Significance
- File
- Local
- Regional
- State
- National
Age
98yrsTrees
1Diameter
2mHeight - 16m
Details
- Outstanding species (Scientific)
- Landscape (Social)
- Landmark (Social)
- Contemporary association (Social)
- Park/Garden/Town (Historic)
- Commemorative (Historic)
- Person/Group/Institution (Historic)
- Attractive (Aesthetic)
Statement of Significance
The Moreton Bay Fig Tree has significance for the following reasons:-
SCIENTIFIC:- The tree is an outstanding example of its species
SOCIAL:- It makes a significant contribution to landscape and is an
important landmark at Tugun. It has contemporary association with the community who value its shady ambience and illuminate it at night creating a festive atmosphere.
HISTORIC:- The tree forms a significant part of the historic seaside settlement. It is associated with the Diamond family who were important pioneers and business entities in the area and commemorates the original Tugun Hotel.
AESTHETIC:- It is a magnificent looking tree and a better than average example of its species, or a tree in its location.
History
In 1898, the Farrell family cleared land and established a small dairy farm in the coastal settlement area that is now known as Tugun. The completion of the rail link from Brisbane to Tweed Heads in 1903 resulted in the influx of seaside holiday makers to the area. In 1925, FS Charles constructed the Seaside Hotel at Tugun. The Diamond family took over the management of the hotel in 1926 and after the hotel burnt to the ground Patrick Diamond purchased the site and had a new hotel rebuilt. In 1926, Diamond planted this Moreton Bay Fig. It survives as a landmark in the area adjacent to the Tugun Tavern which now stands in place of Diamond’s Tugun Hotel. The Gold Coast City Council Heritage Register states, ‘The Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla), planted around 1926, is historically important for its symbolic association with the site of the first hotel built at Tugun. The tree is situated close to the modern day Pacific Highway and over the years has developed an aesthetic significance as a well known landmark in Tugun.
The Fig has a special association with Patrick and Annie Diamond, managers of the first hotel in Tugun from 1925 to 1933, and subsequent owners of the 1933 rebuilt Tugun Hotel. The Diamonds made a notable contribution to the economic and social development of Tugun through their business activities.’
Location
The tree is located on a median strip at the eastern part of the intersection of Tooloona Streets and Golden Four Drive.
Notes
In 1898, the Farrell family cleared land and established a small dairy farm in the coastal settlement area that is now known as Tugun. The completion of the rail link from Brisbane to Tweed Heads in 1903 resulted in the influx of seaside holiday makers to the area. In 1925, FS Charles constructed the Seaside Hotel at Tugun. The Diamond family took over the management of the hotel in 1926 and after the hotel burnt to the ground Patrick Diamond purchased the site and had a new hotel rebuilt. In 1926, Diamond planted this Moreton Bay Fig. It survives as a landmark in the area adjacent to the Tugun Tavern which now stands in place of Diamond’s Tugun Hotel. The Gold Coast City Council Heritage Register states, ‘The Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla), planted around 1926, is historically important for its symbolic association with the site of the first hotel built at Tugun. The tree is situated close to the modern day Pacific Highway and over the years has developed an aesthetic significance as a well known landmark in Tugun.
The Fig has a special association with Patrick and Annie Diamond, managers of the first hotel in Tugun from 1925 to 1933, and subsequent owners of the 1933 rebuilt Tugun Hotel. The Diamonds made a notable contribution to the economic and social development of Tugun through their business activities.’
The tree is located on a median strip at the eastern part of the intersection of Tooloona Streets and Golden Four Drive.