THE urban renewal of Mount Gambier’s city centre continues with 14 replacement trees planted on Crouch Street South as part of city centre redevelopment works.
The old Willow Myrtle trees that lined the street were recently removed to allow for a road and footpath upgrade.
Council resolved to replace the trees with a more suitable species of tree that aligns with the requirements of SA Power Networks and SA Water’s tree planting guidelines.
“Local businesses were included in the selection of the Crepe Myrtle tree as a street tree for this area and council is extremely pleased with this selection,” Mount Gambier City Council engineering, design and contracts manager Daryl Morgan said.
“It will add tremendous value to the urban landscape once the trees grow over future years.”
The trees will flower from mid-summer to early autumn in an abundance of pale pink flowers.
“The Crepe Myrtle tree is a tough small tree of about five metres by four metres and grows in a vase shape with a symmetrical canopy,” engineering technical officer Sinaway Georgiou said.
“It is best suited to the site due to the narrow footpath, existing powerlines and infrastructure within the footpath.”
Council staff are currently installing new pavers on the Crouch Street South footpath area, with work scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks.
Council will start paving works on Helen Street, from Wehl Street to Elizabeth Street, in the new year.
“Recent paving and landscaping works to Gray Street, James Street and parts of Helen Street have certainly lifted the visual amenity of these areas and brought these streets in line with modern urban streetscape trends,” Mr Morgan said.
