Council to replace ageing trees on Pride Street

A STRETCH of Pride Street in Torquay will become greener under a Surf Coast Shire project that will replace ageing trees and increase canopy along one of the town’s key routes.

The works, part of the council’s Branching Out public tree planting program, will see 35 declining trees removed from the median strip between Bell Street and Anderson Street and replaced with 52 new trees, resulting in a gain of 17 trees.

Tree removal is scheduled to begin on 29 July, with planting to follow soon after.

Councillor Phoebe Crockett said the project would improve the long-term health of the streetscape while enhancing the area for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

“We’re creating a healthier canopy along Pride Street that will bring all of the benefits that street trees generate,” she said.

“This was chosen as a priority location for planting as a key connection in Torquay for people walking, riding or driving between Bell Street and the town centre.”

The existing trees are being removed because many are in poor condition, nearing the end of their lifespan and providing limited ecological value.

The replacement trees have been chosen for their suitability to coastal conditions, including salt exposure, and will grow to a similar height as the existing

trees to maintain views while improving spacing and sightlines for drivers.

Parking along the median strip will remain available between trees, with the number of informal parking spaces expected to stay much the same.

The planting contractor will maintain and water the new trees for two years to help them establish.

The project forms part of the council’s multi-year Branching Out initiative to increase tree canopy across the Surf Coast Shire,

with further planting planned in nearby Old Torquay streets later this year.