FOUR huge slash pines planted in memory of fallen Dutch World War II soldiers along Cudgen’s memorial walk, have been chopped down ahead of today’s Anzac Day ceremony.
The pines, planted in the 1960s by local resident Frank Kapel, were knocked down earlier this week in time for today’s traditional Anzac Day dawn service at the Cudgen Cenotaph.
The felled trees were removed and replaced by two young Norfolk pines, in keeping with the original theme of the memorial walk along Colliers St, which is shaded on both sides by a double row of giant Norfolks.
The majestic trees, each bearing a plaque with the name of a fallen soldier, were planted early last century in memory of the Cudgen Diggers who did not return from World War I.
But the slash pines, native to the US, were added to the memorial walk in the 1960s by the late Mr Kapel, a Dutch immigrant who planted the pines on the pavement outside his house.
Each slash pine bore a plaque with the name of a fallen Dutch solder, friends of Mr Kapel’s who died during World War II.
In a controversial move, Cudgen residents, with the support of the Kingscliff RSL, lobbied council late last year to remove the slash pines to make way for two new Norfolks.
The new trees will replace originals elsewhere on the street which had become diseased and unsafe with age.
A plaque honouring Mr Kapel and his mates will be erected at the cenotaph in lieu of the slash pines.
Councillors voted 5:2 in favour of the request at last Thursday’s meeting, with only Greens Cr Katie Milne and Garry Bagnall objecting.
Cudgen Progress Association president Carl Redman said the avenue was a much-cherished community treasure.
“The majority of the community is happy with the decision,’’ Mr Redman said.
“People have different opinions about it but the slash pines were planted illegally initially. We wanted to keep the avenue in Norfolk pines.’’
Mr Redman said residents who had initially objected to the slash pines being removed were pleased Mr Kapel would be remembered in a plaque at the cenotaph.
Tweed Shire Council manager of recreational services Stewart Brawley said council officers had responded to the decision immediately in a race against time ahead of Anzac Day.
“Residents wanted to do the dedication of those two new trees on Anzac Day,’’ Mr Brawley said.
Mr Brawley said council’s arborist would continue to closely monitor the remaining ageing Norfolk pinesto ensure their health and the safety of residents.
A separate memorial, specifically dedicated to WWII Diggers, exists at Cudgen in Crescent St and Cudgen Rd.
