A nine tonne tree has been removed by Queensland Urban Utilities a creek at Mansfield after it fell during a storm and lodged against a sewer pipe.
The 20m camphor laurel had a huge root system that had jammed up against the pipe, blocking part of Bulimba Creek.
Queensland Urban Utilities spokesperson, Michelle Cull, said an 80 tonne crane was needed to remove the tree.
“The tree was about one and a half metres in diameter and 20m tall but it was dwarfed by the crane which picked it up and hoisted it 60m into the air,” she said.
“The tree was then lowered into a clearing at Edwards Park where it was cut up and wood-chipped for re-use.”
At nine tonnes, the tree was heavier than a bus.
“Despite all that pressure on the sewer creek crossing, the steel pipe held firm,” Ms Cull said.
“However, Queensland Urban Utilities needed to remove the tree because over time, floating debris would have accumulated and made the blockage worse, increasing pressure on the pipe.
“It’s all in a day’s work for our staff who regularly monitor our network and check for any potential hazards.
“The protection of our local waterways is particularly important to Queensland Urban Utilities.
“Through our partnership with the Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee, we have helped rehabilitate more than 230,000sq m of creek catchment and that work is continuing.”
