Ipswich City Council moves to protect significant Marburg Bottle tree
04 June 2025
Ipswich City Council is seeking to protect a significant Bottle tree in Marburg thought to be more than 100 years old to ensure it is preserved for the future.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson and Division 4 Councillor Jim Madden said the tree at Lawrence Street, Marburg was an important part of the local environment.
“The tree on private property is estimated at being more than 100 years old and provides visual amenity to the streetscape and biodiversity benefits by providing shelter and seeds to wildlife,” Cr Madden said.
“Inspections found it to be of sound condition and exceptional type.
“Council has various mechanisms for protecting vegetation, including Local Law No. 49 (Protection of Important Vegetation).
“It was considered that making a Vegetation Protection Order under Local Law No. 49 was the most appropriate measure in these circumstances for ensuring this significant Bottle tree at Marburg continues to live in good health for generations to come.
“An interim Vegetation Protection Order has been made, with council now undertaking a public submission period until 1 July for people to have their say for or against.”
Division 4 Councillor David Martin said Bottle trees (Brachychiton rupestris) had a number of traditional uses by First Nations peoples, such as a food resource (seeds and roots) and tools (fibre for twine/rope).
“This is an important tree not just in the local landscape, but also more broadly for Ipswich,” Cr Martin said.
“Under Local Law No. 49 there are specific requirements for people wanting to make submissions for or against this Vegetation Protection Order.
“Council will consider all properly made submissions on the Vegetation Protection Order, before either confirming or revoking the order.”
For more information on the Vegetation Protection Order and to make submissions, visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/vegetationprotection