Rejuvenation of fig tree library site

WORK will start next week to rejuvenate the site around the iconic fig tree at the heritagelisted Cairns City Library site.

The large fig tree located on Lake St at the rear of the City Library site, referred to as T5, was fenced off and had been facing possible removal after years of decline.

However, following Council’s flying fox relocation program in 2020, the tree has shown clear signs of recovery, allowing the much-loved tree to be retained.

Deputy Mayor Terry James said the community had welcomed the decision to retain the tree, and Council was now progressing on a plan to rejuvenate the site and create a safe and appealing space around the tree.

“The works will address the poor amenity of the site with improved landscaping and the installation of a fence around the fig tree,” Cr James said.

“While the fig tree is looking far healthier than it was a couple of years ago, we still need to be mindful about providing an area that is safe for public use.

“Landscaping, irrigation and vegetation will also be included in the scope of works.”

Division 5 Councillor Amy Eden said the project would enhance the high-profile site in the city.

“As well as improving the charm of the area, the works will provide an opportunity to educate those who visit the site about cultural heritage, conservation and the history of the library building,” Cr Eden said.

“Interpretive signage will be installed as part of the project and provide information on the site’s cultural heritage and First Peoples land use; the benefits of trees in urban areas; the management plan for the large figs within site; and the history of the library building and its use.

“I have no doubt that once the works are complete, this will become a popular destination for locals and visitors, somewhere where people will be able to enjoy the ambience of the fig tree and learn about our city.”

Works will start on Monday, February 13, and are expected to be completed by May, weather permitting.

AS Valentine’s Day draws nears, there are signs of love and affection in the air and everywhere you look. Some people will go above and beyond in their declaration of love – showering their partners with gifts, flowers and adoring sentiments.

But beyond the roses, chocolates and greeting card poetry – what does love really look like? How can we know if we are in a genuinely loving relationship, or one where love is used to justify controlling and abusive behaviours?

Sadly, too many people in relationships can feel trapped by their partner’s ‘love bombing’ – a form of emotional manipulation, where one person can bombard another with excessive affection, flattery and gifts in order to gain control in a relationship or justify abusive behaviours. When their aggression or possessiveness is questioned, an abusive partner may claim they are acting out of ‘love’.

Yet love does not look like bruises you conceal from family and friends.

Love does not manipulate, intimidate, gaslight, or punish.

Love does not tell you what you can wear, where you can go, who you can speak to, or how much you can eat.

True love lifts you up.

It listens, nurtures, and empowers.

It makes you feel valued and respected.

It supports your independence, your freedom, and helps you grow.

It’s important to remember that not all domestic violence is physical. When one person in a relationship uses abusive or intimidating behaviour to control, dominate, humiliate or instil fear in another person, that too is domestic violence.

What might at first appear to be an isolated incident is commonly part of a pattern of abusive behaviour proven to be equally if not more harmful, and this is known as coercive control.

Knowing and understanding the signs of coercive control can help people identify, and respond to, toxic relationships. Coercive control encompasses a number of controlling behaviours – from cutting off support systems, gaslighting to confuse or manipulate, limiting access to finances, and monitoring activity through tracking by GPS or phone.

The Queensland Government has committed to introducing legislation to criminalise coercive control before the end of 2023. In drafting legislation, the Government will consult broadly – with survivors, the community, domestic violence service providers, legal experts, and the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council – to ensure legislation is clear, thorough, and effective.

Information about coercive control is also part of the updated Respectful Relationships Education being rolled out in Queensland schools this year. The new Respect program builds on the existing program, which was introduced in 2017, and includes new and strengthened information about consent, reporting of sexual assault, ethical decisionmaking, and the drivers of gender-based violence.

With proper education and support, our next generation of Queenslanders will navigate the world of dating with a greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals in relationships. They will be more aware of the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence. They will see the signs of power and control, they will seek out help, and they will prevent further violence and abuse in their friendship circles, families and their own lives.

They will know what true love looks like.

Begin your journey in saying Not Now, Not Ever. Together. E-mail us for more information dfvcouncil@premiers.qld.gov.au

ATTRIBUTION: Vanessa Fowler OAM and Bob Atkinson AO APM co-chair the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council. The Prevention Council is working to embed a zero-tolerance approach to domestic and family violence within our communities and across Queensland.

Caneland Court, Redlynch: Asphalt overlay from Tuesday 14 February. Temporary road closure, local access only. Hartley St, Portsmith: Kerb and channel renewal between Bunda St and Draper St. Expect traffic disruptions. McCoombe St, Mooroobool: Water main replacement from Koch St to Cochrane St from Monday 13 February. Expect traffic disruptions.

Norfolk Cl, Holloways Beach: Kerb and channel renewal. Temporary road closure. Village Terrace and Colonial Cl, Redlynch: Asphalt overlay from Wednesday 15 February. Temporary road closure, local access only.

For a full list of works visit our