BATHURST Regional Council's street planting proposal is to remove all existing trees along Durham Street on both sides of the highway, and replant with two main varieties.
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These are Acer rubrum (autumn red maple) and the ornamental pistachio. Council's engineering section notes in its report where the species would be located.
According to a report to be tabled at council tonight, the section of highway between Bentinck Street and William Street is considered to be the entrance to the CBD area and is dominated by a grand landscape entrance statement: Haymarket Reserve.
"Due to the existing exotic theme of the adjacent park plantings, it is proposed that this section of the highway be planted out on both sides of the road with Acer rubrum (autumn red), which is a maple tree that develops dark pinkish-red leaves in early autumn and bright red foliage by late autumn," the report says.
"It is believed that this tree will complement and enhance the entrance statement to the CBD. Due to existing services, the petrol station and other access driveways within this section of the highway, it is believed that only up to seven trees could be planted on the eastern side of the highway between Bentinck and William Street.
"On the western side, it is anticipated that 13 trees be planted between the existing robinia mop top plantings. It is proposed that the mop tops would be removed once the Acer trees had developed within the streetscape."
The report also details plans for the western side of the highway from William Street to Stewart Street.
"On the western side of Durham Street, the proposal is to replace all existing crepe myrtle trees with ornamental pistachio trees. Additional tree planting with ornamental pistachio trees will also be undertaken where suitable gaps have been identified," the report says.
"This plant species are well suited to the climatic conditions of Bathurst, are believed to be part of the planting theme for the recently commenced RMS highway upgrade of Sydney Road, and provide an attractive show of seasonal colour change throughout the various seasons."
The report also details plans for the eastern side of the highway from William Street to Stewart Street.
"On the eastern side of Durham Street, it is proposed that all existing London plane and ornamental pear trees be removed and replaced with a single species of tree suited to the area, which is able to provide a similar impact to the site in respect to a show of seasonal colour, and uniformity along that section of the highway.
"Acer rubrum 'autumn red' has been proposed as the preferred tree species for this area, as it has a striking leaf colour change during autumn."
