Decision on trees “will not be rushed”
A decision on proposed streetscape works along the eastern section of Queen St, Warragul will not be rushed, according to Baw Baw Shire.
Community assets director Phil Cantillon said council officers were continuing to discuss and consult with the business group and other stakeholders in relation to the proposed tree plantings.
Sections of the road pavement were marked and some were dug out last month in preparation of streetscape works to create a boulevard of trees along the eastern entry to Warragul.
The gateway boulevard of ornamental pear trees was proposed to change the face of Warragul’s eastern entry to the town.
However, works were suspended within days after backlash from business and the cycling community.
Mr Cantillon said council was continuing to develop some concepts for discussion with the Warragul Business Group initially, which will then be followed by the wider community and the Warragul CBD project reference group.
“The concept plans will reflect the valuable feedback that council has received from the community and we want to see whether elements of the concepts will be supported for implementation either now as part of the Warragul transformation project or in the future, subject to council’s decision,” he said.
Mr Cantillon said officers were working towards a long term solution.
“We don’t want to rush it. We want to make sure it takes on board as much of the wider community’s aspirations.
“It doesn’t mean the trees will continue (to be planted) as currently proposed.
“When the concerns were raised we made sure we paused that part of the project and we will work out what is the best way to take that forward.
“We are very pleased to have the conversation and develop the ideas that we can implement,” he said.
The streetscape works have continued in Alfred St and the Queen St section between Mason St and Normanby St.
On the north side of Queen St, trees have been planted under powerlines, which shire staff said was not ideal when questioned about the need to plant trees in the cycling and parking lanes further east.
But Mr Cantillon said there were “extensive services” under the road surface between Mason and Normanby Sts.
“We try to avoid trees under powerlines…the services vary depending on the location,” he said.