A “small forest” of native tree species is to be planted at the northern entrance of Kingston.
The remaining nine poplar trees along the Huon Highway were removed on April 26 as part of major infrastructure works.
In a media release on April 22, Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Paula Wriedt said the poplar trees were “nearing their end of life”.
“The new landscaping will include many native plantings including a small forest of sheoaks, as well as casuarinas, peppermints, blackwood, yellow paperbarks and banksias.
“Whilst I acknowledge the community’s concerns about the loss of the mature poplars along the Huon Highway, I want to assure everyone that we have a wonderful landscape design and will be undertaking significant new plantings to provide a beautiful welcome to Kingston,” said Cr Wreidt.
“The main reason for the removal at this time is to facilitate important stormwater works, road widening and the building of an underpass, which need to be completed where the remaining poplars root system is located.
“The temporary loss of the leafy entrance is drastic now, but in order to upgrade the infrastructure in this area this tree removal is required.
“Over the next months a thoroughfare is being created from Goshawk Way to the Highway and the John Street roundabout will be upgraded.
“We are upgrading our Whitewater Creek walking and cycling tracks and will be delivering an underpass under the Huon Highway to safely connect Kingston Park to the wetlands and beyond for pedestrians and cyclists,” continued Cr Wreidt.
“Council has an overall vision to transform Kingston into an active, attractive space with community amenities all linked to an attractive CBD space, and these projects are continuing this work.”
