Gilbert Street to go greener

TORQUAY’S Gilbert Street will be greener following beautification of garden beds during the next few months.

Replacing strappy Lomandra grass plants with coastal fan flowers will be the main focus of “Greening of Gilbert Street” work, which will be staged to cause minimal disruption.

Existing hawthorn and Judas trees will remain and will benefit from soil rejuvenation work.

No trees will be removed, and no roads or footpaths will be closed during the process.

Torquay ward councillor Martin Duke said the project responded in part to community feedback.

“There have been concerns that the existing grass plants can pose hazards obscuring the vision of drivers, and that existing gravel mulch washes from the beds and causes slip hazards on surrounding areas.

“We are pleased to be getting on with the beautification but it is important for people to realise that the project is weather dependent, and will be done in a few stages. After some good rain, the Lomandras will be removed and the garden beds will be mulched to then lie dormant for four to six weeks.

“While it might look like nothing is happening during that stage, it will be part of the preparation process and we will just be waiting for the right time to plant our new coastal fan flowers, which flower through spring, summer and autumn.”

Work will be carried out in four-hour blocks on each garden bed to minimise disruption. During the works, access to several car parks and part of the footpath in the immediate area will be restricted. Neighbouring businesses and residents have been notified.

“We look forward to this upgrade making a difference for Gilbert Street regulars, and our many visitors,” Cr Duke said.

People seeking more information can head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au, phone 5261 0600 or follow the shire on social media.