By Melissa Coleman
It’s been more than 160 years since the original survey mark was carved on the border survey tree at Wallangarra.
The carvings indicate the beginning and end of the New South Wales and Queensland border.
The tree trunk is dead and slowly deteriorating, and the markings are fading although it is housed under a shed shelter.
The preservation of Wallangarra’s border survey tree is an important part of the town’s history.
A local resident bought up the issue of saving the monument from further decay at the recent Southern Downs Region Council briefing session.
“Even though it is under the shelter the markings seem to be rubbing away. We need to do something to try and retain the markings and the tree,” the resident said.
Suggestions were made to paint the tree trunk or apply a resin or coating to protect the markings from further damage.
“We really need to preserve the carving on the tree,” he urged.
A tree specialist may hold the key to saving the border survey tree from further deterioration.
Council is looking into the issue.
