Auburn Street urban tree canopy to increase

Published on 15 September 2020

Work has begun on the transformation of Auburn Street as part of the CBD enhancement, with an increase of the urban tree canopy underway.   

Concrete median strips down the centre of Goulburn’s iconic main street are being removed, with holes to be dug soon in order to plant Zelkova Serrata trees which are a fast growing, medium sized tree suitable for street planting under Goulburn’s weather conditions.

Mayor Bob Kirk said he was looking forward to the improvements that will help cool the CBD in summer, and add to the enhancement of the CBD.

“This project has been a long-term goal of Council following the early stages of CBD enhancement work such as the paving undertaken in 2016 and 2017.

“Trees will be planted right down the middle of our street for three blocks of Auburn Streets as part of this stage, between Verner and Goldsmith Streets. These Zelkova’s are a vase shaped tree, and will be well maintained by our staff to ensure safe visibility of pedestrians and of traffic.”

Concrete median removal is expected to take another week, before works commence on hole digging, tree planting and then reinstating of pedestrian islands and median strips. $800,000 has been allocated in budget for the project, which is expected to be completed by November this year.

The works come on the back of a long-term effort by Goulburn Mulwaree Council to enhance the CBD through tree planting and gardening, paving and public art installations.

Business owners have been notified of the works, which are being undertaken at night to minimise inconvenience.