Meeting agrees new look for streetscape

By Kath Gannaway
A FOURTH community meeting on the future of the River Street treescape settled on a preference for replanting with swamp white oak trees.
The 80-year-old poplars along River Street, recognised as an iconic streetscape in Healesville, are to be removed in a staged process because many have been identified as dangerous, and others diseased.
About 25 people attended the meeting on Thursday 16 June – the best attendance to date.
Healesville resident John Anwin has attended most of the meetings and said while there was discussion about retaining the poplars, particularly for their canopy characteristic and colour, ultimately the preference was for the swamp white oak.
Mr Anwin said one of the factors which steered the preference for the oak was a report on an unknown disease discovered by the council arborist.
“I would like to know more about the disease, because it seems to me that the poplar option was dismissed because of this disease. “It they are right, it’s hard to argue against it, but if there is some way of controlling it, or finding out what caused it … and whether it might affect other trees planted there, then that needs to be made known,” Mr Anwin said.
Cr Jeanette McRae said there was considerable discussion about all the options – including advantages and disadvantages of different species and their suitability for the area.
She said a vote showed a preference for the swamp white oak and that that would be taken into account when the planning application for tree removal goes to the council.
Cr McRae said the community meetings were part of a community consultation process, but that there would also be an opportunity for submissions from the public when the planning permit was advertised.
Addressing the issue of maintenance of future plantings in River Street, Cr McRae said council had committed to a maintenance regime with appropriate budget provision to be made.