Council & Business
23 January, 2026
Majorca nature strip tree dispute continues
Trees along a Majorca resident's fenceline remain the subject of a long-running dispute with the Central Goldfields Shire Council.
Trees which have overgrown a Majorca resident’s fenceline have been the subject of a long-running dispute with the Central Goldfields Shire Council.
Majorca’s Pat Hedger has feared the worst as a series of trees along the nature strip have continued to grow along her fenceline despite her opposition.
The bushy plants, believed to be black wattle, are a fast growing native species which have been at the centre of Ms Hedger’s concern for years.
She’s concerned if the wattle was ever to drop a branch, her black horse, who is in the paddock alongside, could get out onto the road.
“If someone hits the horse or if children in the car get hurt, how’s that going to make me feel,” she said.
“I don’t want anything to happen to anybody.”
It’s a concern Ms Hedger said she’s brought to council numerous times over the past half decade.
While she wants the plants removed, she’d accept it if council were to cut back the branches and maintain the tree, but that’s not the outcome she’s been offered.
According to a complainant document seen by The Maryborough District Advertiser council offered to arrange the removal of the trimmed branches if she chose to trim her side of the fence.
“Following a thorough review of your request including an assessment of the associated risks, available resources, and current priorities we regret to inform you that we are unable to proceed with the works. The trees in question have been evaluated and are not considered to pose a threat or present a significant risk,” the letter read.
“We understand this may not be the outcome you were hoping for, and we want to assure you that your request was given careful and respectful consideration.”
However, Ms Hedger questions why she should have to do the work when she doesn’t have the manpower.
“The trees are on their nature strip and I believe it’s their responsibility not mine,” she said.
Ms Hedger said she’s now taken the matter to the relevant ombudsman seeking a solution.
The Central Goldfields Shire Council was contacted for comment.