Towong Shire Council is facing further controversy after the removal of trees in Corryong’s CBD on Tuesday in preparation for Stage 2 of its streetscape project.

The tree lopping drew broad criticism on social media and council has been quick to respond, posting the following information on Tuesday night:-

“As works resumed today on the Corryong CBD Streetscape project, we recognise there have been concerns regarding the removal of trees on Hanson Street, between the Jardine and Donaldson Street roundabouts.

“The planting plan for the CBD has been developed in line with community feedback received during the consultation process. This includes the planting of 15 new trees to replace the seven trees that will be removed across the north and south sides of the street.

“The replacement species will include Urbanite Ash, Crepe Myrtle, Ornamental Pear – Red Spire, Flowering Pink Cherry and Chinese Elm. These species have been chosen through suggestions from community and an external landscaping consultant and have been selected for their colour, size, non-invasive root system and shade.

“If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@towong.vic.gov.au or call 1300 365 222. Alternatively, you can drop into the Corryong Library every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm, where you can speak directly with the project manager.

“For details on landscaping and planting works, please refer to the Corryong CBD Streetscape Plan and Planting Plan on our website: www.tinyurl.com/corryong-cbd-streetscape“.

The latest controversy comes on the back of a community petition regarding safety concerns over the project.

After considering the petition at a Special Meeting last Wednesday, council gave the green light to proceeding with the Corryong CBD Streetscape project, with minimal change.

In response to the petition expressing concerns about a widened footpath impacting vehicle access and manoeuvrability in parking bays along Hanson Street, council received a report that addressed the issues and also presented a range of five options, which was considered at the special meeting. A motion for option two passed with a vote of 3-2 in favour.

Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead, said that all possibilities were discussed at length before voting on this decision.

“We considered all available options and as a result, councillors decided option two was the most viable because it balanced community concerns, cost-effectiveness and the project’s overarching objectives,” he said. 

Streetscape moves to next stage

Option two maintains the original design but introduces a maneuvering space behind parking bays, supports a reduced speed limit of 40km/h between the Donalson and Jardine Street roundabouts and commits to developing a plan that will expand parking spaces in the CBD.

In making its decision, council considered the findings from an independent Road Safety Audit, community feedback – both in the community consultation stage of the project and more recently by way of the petition – and further engagement with other community members and businesses during construction.

Cr Whitehead acknowledged that there was a diversity of views on the project within the community.

“We understand that opinions on the streetscape upgrade vary,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we know this decision will not appease everyone but we believe that this project will have lasting benefits for the entire community.”

The streetscape project aims to revitalise the CBD, improve street presentation and foster economic activity and tourism.

“Council believes that the renewed streetscape with its wider footpaths, wider parking bays, pedestrian crossing and new street furniture, will play a key role in revitalising the CBD,” Cr Whitehead said.

“The Corryong Streetscape Project is a significant step toward revitalising the heart of Corryong, embodying the collective vision for a vibrant and inviting community space.”

The focus is now on watermain installation from stage two through to stage four.

“We anticipate this work to last three to four weeks but is subject to any potential challenges we may come across underground,” Cr Whitehead said.

“While this particular work won’t affect business access, it will temporarily limit parking bays in the confined work area.

“We will continue to provide businesses and the wider community with timely updates.” 

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 18 January 2024.