Protesters fail to save Cairns mango tree

A well-loved Cairns mango tree has been cut down after protesters were tricked into letting a police officer posing as a conservationist into its branches.

The tree was sliced into pieces on Tuesday, a week after former Greens candidate Geoff Holland intercepted machinery and scaled it at Munro Martin Park, which is being redeveloped.

A number of supporters set up a pulley system into the tree, which is one of four mango trees, and took shifts lying in a hammock tied to its branches.

Police confirmed they put their "own man up there" for the sting, which removed about eight protesters from the building site on Tuesday morning.

Mr Holland, who says he tried to hold onto a fence during the operation, was charged with obstructing police in the execution of their duty.

He said he was "devastated" by the outcome.

"They (police) infiltrated the group," he said after being released on bail.

"Many people have grown up with these mango trees and they're iconic to Cairns and they mean something."

Cairns Regional Council acting chief executive John Andrejic said a review of the redevelopment had found the tree had to go.

He denied breaking up the peaceful protest was drastic action.

"I think it's a bit drastic for people to spend the last week up a tree," he said.

"This is a construction site, it's a safety issue, it's an insurance issue.

Mr Holland says the community was not adequately consulted about the tree removals.

But Mr Andrejic said council had received much feedback from locals over months and the park would have 32 extra trees once the development was finished.

Mr Holland cannot go in the park as part of his bail conditions.

His matter will be heard again in the Cairns Magistrate Court on September 23.