Tree planting has begun on Northbourne Avenue following work on light rail as part of the effort to transform the northern gateway to the city.
Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris said light rail was not just a transport project, but also would transform and revitalise Northbourne Avenue.
She said the first Eucalyptus mannifera were part of a planting program that would begin with more than 1,000 trees and would see one million plants placed along the route.
“The 5 m–high gum planted between Elouera and Girrawheen Streets will eventually form part of an iconic corridor lined with local, environmentally appropriate and beautiful trees and landscaping,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“These gums are considered an impressive species which have featured in other landscaping projects around Canberra over the past 50 years.”
She said the Light Rail Landscape Plan would deliver a subtle transition of landscaping along the route from Gungahlin to Civic.
“A grassland landscape in the northern parts of the corridor will transition to a more formal grand boulevard design along Northbourne Avenue,” Ms Fitzharris said.
She said the landscaping closer to Civic will contain a distinctive visual corridor of eucalypts with native grasslands and wildflowers.
“The trees were selected after community consultation and discussions with the National Capital Authority to ensure appropriate species,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Planting has also commenced on some verges in the northern end of the corridor with similar trees.”
The Minister said the new plantings marked the beginning of the replacement of all the trees removed during construction.
“I know these trees were special to many people across Canberra, and I hope the new gums we are planting here today will be too,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Aside from the signature Eucalyptus mannifera, there are a number of other tree species and a variety of native wildflowers, herbs, forbs and grasses that will also feature along the light rail corridor.”
