Southern Downs Council Regional is seeking input from the community on a permanent solution following the removal of four large London Plane Trees from Grafton Street in Warwick in late September last year.
The removal of the trees followed the discovery of significant ongoing damage to public infrastructure caused by the roots, which had lifted the surrounding pavement, kerb and footpath, creating trip hazards to pedestrians.
The council’s works maintenance and open space manager Chris Whitaker said at the time the decision was made to remove the trees, the council’s intention was to replace the trees in consultation with the public.
“Since the trees were removed, council has had barricades around the four locations,” he said.
“However this is only a temporary measure. Council is now seeking input from the community to decide on a permanent solution, and two options are up for consideration,” he said.
The options are to:
1. Replace the former trees with a car park; or
2. Replace the former trees with a more suitable tree with a less invasive root structure such as –
* Ash Tree – Fraxinus Pennsylvanica Lednaw; or
* Ornamental Plum Tree – Prunus Cerasifera; or
* Scarlet Oak Tree – Quercus Coccinea.
The council encourages community members to have their say on these options, and they can do so in a couple of ways.
If you prefer to have your say online, please visit ‘Survey ‘Monkey’ at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/6265LG7.
Otherwise, you can make a written submission to council indicating your preference for one of the options. In both cases, if you’re in favour of Option 2 and would like the former trees replaced with new trees, please select your preferred tree from the three choices.
Written submissions should identify that you are responding to the invitation for input on the “Replacement of Grafton Street Trees” and should be sent to Southern Downs Regional Council, P.O. Box 26, Warwick Qld 4370, or hand delivered to one of the council’s community contact centres.
The survey and written submissions close on Monday, 27 March. For more information, please contact the council on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372).
