THE Whitsunday Ratepayers Association have come up with a less nutty solution to the problem of dangerous falling coconuts in the Whitsunday region.

The association's members have been discussing the design of a universal sign (pictured right) to warn tourists and locals alike of the perils of sitting or walking under coconut trees.

In late May, Whitsunday Regional Council released its draft coconut management policy for public consultation, where the idea of removing coconut trees in "low use areas" was suggested as a means of cutting costs.

Mayor Jennifer Whitney said that "the nuts and fronds (of coconut trees) can become hazards if not maintained properly".

The draft coconut management policy outraged the community, with many believing council was preparing to cut down the region's coconut trees.

In early July the public consultation period on council's draft policy was extended to July 31 and a number of community meetings were organised by council to discuss the issue.

At the time, council said in a statement that cutting down coconut trees "was never the objective of the policy and is not stated in the draft policy".

A table included in the draft management policy said coconut trees in neighbourhood parks, open spaces, bushland reserve, cemeteries and road reserves would be removed.

Whitsunday Ratepayers Association secretary Tony Moscato said members of the association were opposed to removal of any coconut trees.

He said members believed the cost of having council de-nut the trees was too expensive and contractors should be employed to do the job "as it would probably reduce the bill".

"You don't have a lot of iconic elements here in the Whitsundays and (coconut trees) are one of them," Mr Moscato said.

"(Coconut trees) make the holiday-makers realise they have reached their holiday destination."

Mr Moscato said the funny, eye-catching warning sign designed by Rory McCourt was getting a lot of support.

Meanwhile, Cr Whitney said yesterday council officers were collating feedback on council's draft coconut management policy and a report would be prepared.