FINAL stages of tree removal along Northbourne Avenue will be completed months earlier than planned to ensure safety of the public and construction workers after recent storm damage. 

Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris says: “Recent damage sustained from storms and the deteriorating health of a number of remaining trees has led to the decision to accelerate the final phase of tree removals.”

The last stage was originally scheduled to occur later in the year but after recent safety checks of the trees, the final phase of tree removals will now tale place during March to ensure safety of workers, motorists and the general public.

“Aborists have discovered rot and fungal infestations in a number of the already felled trees,” Meegan says.

“Other uprooted trees have had smaller and shallower root balls than expected, which has also contributed to the decision to bring the final stage of the removal process forward.”

The Chief Executive of the National Capital Authority (NCA), Malcolm Snow said that the NCA had also conducted an expert review of the remaining trees in the Northbourne Avenue median in early February. 

“The review found that based on the poor condition of the trees and the construction activity around them, we agreed with the recommendation they should be removed,” Snow says.

The government is continuing to explore options for the reuse of removed trees, including as new habitat for animals in nature reserves and local wetlands, and re-snagging in parts of the Murrumbidgee River to encourage biodiversity.

“A tree replacement strategy has also been developed, with the planting of over 1000 new trees to start in the late Spring or early Summer period later this year, pending the finalisation of the landscape design,” Meegan says.

Information at transport.act.gov.au