Historical landmark tree

There’s a piece of history standing tall in Maddingley that predates the arrival of Captain James Cook in Australia, by some 50 years.

The huge river gum on Taverner Street near Maddingley Park is over 300 years old, and in its time has worried many a driver and bicycle rider travelling underneath, as the tree leans over the road.

The tree’s history was highlighted by the Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society (BMDHS) in a recent social media post, citing its use as a landmark by Bacchus Marsh’s first surveyor.

“Surveyor William Wedge Darke used this tree as one of his markers in the 1839/40 survey of the district,” BMDHS wrote.

“The river gums near the high school and Maddingley Park/Taverner St once grew along a stream called Kennedy’s Gully, which now flows as an underground drain.”

Because of its association with William Wedge Darke, the 300-year-old tree has also been referred to as ‘Darke’s Tree’.

Moorabool Shire Council CEO Derek Madden said Council inspects thousands of trees across the Shire every three to five years, including the 300-year-old tree on Taverner Street.

“Council undertakes proactive inspections and data collection on over 17,000 trees in streets, parks and Council facilities in urban zones every five years, and every three years in high-risk areas such as town centres, near playgrounds, and high activity areas,” Mr Madden told the Moorabool News.

“The last inspection that was completed on the river red gum in question on Taverner Street was in 2020, with no defects identified. The tree was assessed as safe and there are currently no indications that the tree has declined in health since this inspection. The tree is due to be reinspected again in 2025. In addition, an annual visual inspection is completed to ensure appropriate powerline clearances are maintained as part of Council’s Electrical Line Clearance Management Plan.”

Council contracts arborists with, at minimum, a Diploma in Arboriculture, and at least five years practical experience in tree diagnosis and reporting, to conduct these inspections.

“Council also undertakes reactive tree inspections, for example after significant weather events or upon receipt of customer requests,” Mr Madden added.