November 2019 Update
Over the past few years, the trees on Laurel Ave have been struggling and several have been lost to unknown causes and age. Stage one and two works have now been completed including new footpath treatments, tree removals and trimming on both sides of Laurel Ave. Planning for stage three is underway with work to commence in March/April 2020.
Stage three works are both environmentally innovative and structurally significant. The works involve creating subterranean drainage known as “structural soil” around 28 trees to provide a more sympathetic growing environment for the heritage listed Camphor Laurels. There will be about 1.5m of roadworks with new kerb and asphalt to be replaced on top of the new underground drainage system.
All works in stage three will be undertaken on the western side of Laurel Ave between approx. no.17 and Jarrott St. Council is consulting directly with owners along this stretch of Laurel Ave to discuss any footpath works and will preserve existing garden beds or grass as requested.
Works are due to be undertaken in March/April 2020, weather permitting.
The replacements for the trees removed a few weeks ago will occur in a few months’ time when the new stock is grown and planting conditions are suitable. Thank you to residents who also requested an extra tree on their frontage. Council has those requests as well.
The Camphor Laurels along Laurel Avenue are part of what makes it one of Brisbane’s most beautiful and sought after streets. I am really pleased that Council has come up with an innovative environmental solution that will not affect the look of Laurel Ave and will help to ensure the longevity of the street trees. If you have any concerns about the work being undertaken, please do not hesitate to contact me on telephone 3403 8605 or email tennyson.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au.
July 2019
This year Brisbane City Council is embarking on a major $479,000 project to protect, enhance and sustainably manage Laurel Avenue’s heritage listed Camphor Laurel trees.
Over the past few years, the trees have been struggling and several have been lost to unknown causes and age. As a result, Council’s arborists have come up with a solution to undertake footpath works to protect the trees’ root zones and enhance their growing environment. The works will also address pedestrian safety and trip hazard issues.
The work will be undertaken in several stages over two years.
Stage one and two will be undertaken this financial year and has commenced. All properties with frontages that are directly affected will be contacted by Council, in some cases this has occurred. The works include:
♦ footpath remediation, including spreading decomposed granite over tree roots, on the eastern side of Laurel Ave outside nine properties;
♦ removal of two dead Camphor Laurels near no.17 and no.34;
♦ 10 Camphor Laurel replacements in missing locations along Laurel Ave (45l stock);
♦ footpath remediation, including decomposed granite over tree roots, on the western side of Laurel Ave between approx. no.17 and Chelmer St W; and
♦ tree trimming and canopy dead wood removal.
The replacements will not be undertaken at the same time as the removals and will occur in a few months’ time when the new stock is grown and planting conditions are suitable.
Stage three is not planned until 2020-21 and may involve verge/footpath extensions to provide a bigger root area for the trees. Consultation will be undertaken with residents when a design for the works is prepared.
The Camphor Laurels along Laurel Avenue are part of what makes it one of Brisbane’s most beautiful and sought after streets. After extensive discussions with Council, I know officers understand the value of the trees to our community and the need to consult with directly affected residents as the project is delivered over coming months. If you have any concerns about the work being undertaken, please do not hesitate to contact me on telephone 3403 8605 or email tennyson.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au.