Recently the fig tree outside the Thirroul District Library and Community Centre on Lawrence Hargrave Drive has been showing signs of deterioration. Council’s professional environmental staff have been in talks with a consulting arborist over the tree’s condition and future steps.

Council has also had soil samples taken for analysis.

The fig tree has been monitored and maintained under the direction of a professional consulting arborist prior to the construction of the centre, during construction, and since the centre opened.

Results of the soil samples have indicated that the soil composition and chemistry were largely within the normal range. Further investigation has begun to look at other impacts from a higher than normal water table on that part of the site.

The results of the soil sampling, along with data from the water table levels and leaf samples, will form the basis of an action plan to be completed by the arborist, in order to help restore the tree's health as quickly as possible.

This plan should be completed and implementation begun in early 2012.