Lightning bolt splits gum in two

from Cooroy Rag 3 November 2021 edition

Schools

A GUM tree on Miva Street has been removed after being hit by lightning. Miva Street resident, Gary Kenzler, told the Cooroy Rag that the 40m tall tree was “split down the middle” by a strike during recent thunderstorms.

“The charge blew debris 300 to 400m away. Residents on Kauri Street were finding bits of the tree in their yards.

“I called Noosa Council as soon as it happened and to their credit, they were out within 20 minutes to have a look.The next day, tree surgeons came and took off branches and the top of the tree.

“The tree that would have been at least 80 years old, was then entirely removed a few days later.”

The incident is a timely reminder for residents to be prepared for storm season. Noosa Council’s Disaster Management Officer, James Ulyate, told the Cooroy Rag that there are some simple measures to take to protect yourself and loved ones during the storm season.

“All the information is on Council’s Disaster Dashboard, but having a Household Emergency Plan is critically important.

“This plan details what to do, where you will go and who to call in an emergency.

“We encourage all homeowners to trim any overhanging branches, clean gutters and generally clean up around the yard,” he said.

To know more, visit the website www.disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au and download Council’s Emergency Action Guide.

Tree surgeons remove a gum damaged by lightning. Photo: Alan Kenzler.

Council probing heritage value of factory well

THE future of the old Cooroy Butter Factory well is in Noosa Council’s hands.

Noosa Council Communications Manager, Ken Furdek, told the Cooroy Rag, that Council officers were continuing to investigate whether the well was part of Council or Unitywater infrastructure.

He said that officers were assessing its heritage significance.

In August, the Cooroy Rag with the help of local stalwarts, Max Arbuthnot, Alan Kenzler and Rob Jeffs, unlocked a decades-old town mystery, confirming that the nondescript concrete tank in Apex Park, Cooroy, does not contain sewage but rather water, which once supplied the old Butter Factory.

Since then, Cooroy has been buzzing with suggestions about what should be done with the well.

These range from creating a tourist attraction to a water feature.

But regardless of what is done, it is clear that the community wants to see this well recognised for what it is, a significant piece of Cooroy history.

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