Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Lisa Neville, has supported the efforts of Member for Northcote, Fiona Richardson, to advocate for the safe removal and storage of 70 palm trees during an essential water main replacement by Melbourne Water along St Georges Road.
The St Georges Road water main, which runs underneath the centre median strip in St Georges Road, Northcote, is almost 100 years old and at the end of its service life.
Replacing the critical water main will mean removing all vegetation, including the palm trees, from the centre median strip.
Ms Richardson has been working closely with the local community to find a solution that would enable the fully mature palm trees to be removed and stored offsite during the construction of the new water main.
After close collaboration with Ms Richardson and Melbourne Water, Ms Neville determined the palm trees should be preserved and further community consultation should be taken in regards to reinstatement.
Melbourne Water is continuing to work with Darebin City Council, key stakeholders and the community to develop a final reinstatement plan which balances the needs of cyclists, pedestrians, tram users, motorists and the obligation to supply safe, reliable drinking water.
Quotes attributable to the Hon Lisa Neville, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water
“The local community have said they want these trees to remain and I’m pleased that we’ve found a way to protect such an iconic part of the neighbourhood, while still allowing essential works to continue.”
“Over the next few months Melbourne Water will be holding community engagement sessions to give everyone a chance to have their say about the reinstatement of the St Georges Road median strip.”
Quotes attributable to Fiona Richardson State Member for Northcote
“What a win for Northcote – Melbourne Water has confirmed a ‘like for like’ re-vegetation plan for the St Georges Road median strip. Shade for cyclists, streetscape maintained and community valued.”
“A special thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly on this project, it has been a pleasure advocating on your behalf.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020