By Matthew Sims
Footscray residents are encouraged to have their say on three proposed draft concepts for the Bunbury Streetscape improvements project.
Maribyrnong council’s concept plans include options to increase greenery with a water-sensitive urban design, climate-appropriate planting, healthy and stable soils, improvement to bike riding along the street with minimal loss in car parking and connection to the heritage of the street and the arts precinct.
About 50 English elms and desert ashes make up the Bunbury Street avenue, with the council deciding to remove 12 of the trees in September, citing their risk to the community following two large limb failures last December.
With a number of the English elms initially planted in 1903, a May 4 Homewood report said many of the elm trees were “over-mature and becoming unmanageable in the landscape due to heavy trunk decay and cavities at the base of large stems”.
An April Arbor Survey report said any works to recreate the historic bluestone kerbing as part of any streetscape improvement works may require further removal of trees along the avenue.
The three options include a ‘light touch’ plan, which will reduce traffic speeds to under 30km/h to create a shared road space for bikes and vehicles and widen the southern footpath to meet current standards.
Another option proposes introducing fully separated pathways in the northern footpath and in the southern grassed area and a planted separator in the northern footpath, while a third option will create a new link along the northern side of the street.
As part of each proposed plan, the trees which are in good health with high amenity will be retained.
Information sessions are scheduled in the Jack Kennedy Room at the Footscray Community Arts Centre at 45 Moreland Street on Saturday, November 12 from 10am to 12pm and Saturday, December 3 from 10am to 12pm.
Details: www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/bunburystreet or www.bunburytrees.com
