Golden Plains Shire Council is seeking feedback from residents of Inverleigh to support the development of the Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan.
Council has commenced the development of a 10-year Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan (the Plan), detailing the approach Council will take to removing and replacing trees in Inverleigh, as the health and structure of these trees deteriorates over time.
In October, Council removed six aged Monterey Cyprus trees the Western Cypress Avenue and Public Camping reserve which were in poor condition and at risk of limb drop, posing a risk to the community. The six trees removed fall within the scope of the Plan, which will identify deteriorating trees in these locations that may require removal, while implementing succession replanting for these trees and vacant areas from previous tree removal.
The Plan will also include the re-instatement of the Eastern Avenue, which has been reduced over time due to tree removal and provide provisions for tree protection areas on the High Street median strip to reduce the decline of tree health due to soil compaction caused by parked vehicles. The Plan will provide a detailed species palette based on site suitability and informed by community consultation, while also identifying trees that may be suitable for future tree stump sculptures on the Western Avenue and Eastern Avenue.
In preparation for the tree removals last month, Council officers including the Arboriculture Specialist met with members of the Inverleigh Progress Association. Council is now asking all Inverleigh residents share their preferences on tree styles and shapes for inclusion in the Plan.
The Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan Survey is open from Tuesday 2 November to Sunday 5 December and will be sent by mail to all residents of Inverleigh, arriving in mailboxes mid-November.
The survey can be completed at Council's Have Your Say page or pick up a copy of the survey at Council’s Customer Service Centre, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn.
Completed paper surveys may be returned by:
- email to [email protected]
- mail to: Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC, 3331, marked ‘Attention: Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan’.
Council’s Community Places and Environment team will hold an in-person engagement session, welcoming Inverleigh residents to stop by and talk about the Plan, at Yerram Yaluk Bun Play Space, 1 East Street, Inverleigh from 10am to 12pm on Saturday 20 November, 2021.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby encouraged residents of Inverleigh to complete the survey and share their ideas for the Plan.
“The trees of Inverleigh are a much-beloved feature of the town and hold great historic significance for the community, however, as these trees age and deteriorate they can become unhealthy and structurally unsafe.
“With input from the community, the Inverleigh Tree Succession Plan will help to increase public safety, while ensuring the future sustainability of trees in Inverleigh.
“To ensure the Inverleigh Tree Succession plan meets the expectations of the community, Council has opened a community survey and we look forward to hearing from Inverleigh locals with their thoughts and ideas for the style and shape of trees they hope to see included in the Plan.”