The first stage of the Beaconsfield Avenue of Honour tree renewal program has been completed, with 32 new trees planted to replace those that were in poor condition.
The newly planted trees have been positioned in the landscape to replicate those that were removed to ensure the visual character of this living memorial is maintained.
Stage 2 works will commence mid-2020 with the planting of additional trees at a number of vacant locations to strengthen the Avenue. Further tree removal and replacement stages will follow in 2021 and 2022 to coincide with their respective planting seasons.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Susan Serey said the Beaconsfield Avenue of Honour was one of seven in the City of Casey, which were planted to commemorate the contribution and sacrifices made by local volunteers in World War I, and as a living memorial to those who served in the conflicts that followed.
“As a number of the trees are now in poor or declining condition Council instigated a proactive removal and replacement program, with the support of the Berwick RSL, to protect the Avenue and preserve it into the future,” Cr Serey said.
In 2015 cuttings were taken from the Avenue trees and propagated by a specialised nursery, to ensure genetic consistency and historic link to the original trees planted.
These new trees now over two-metres in height, have replaced the trees in declining condition.
Edrington Ward Councillor Tim Jackson said the replanting program has been well-received by the community.
“We have received a number of calls from residents enquiring about the work and when we explain what we are doing, the response has been overwhelmingly supportive,” Cr Jackson said.
“The Avenue of Honour is clearly very important to residents and this project ensures that it will still be there for many years to come.”
Council will continue to engage with the community prior to the delivery of future stages and welcomes any feedback regarding the delivery of this significant project.
