BUSINESS owners suspect newly planted trees on the median strip of Auburn Street will be vandalised by drunks.
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While overwhelmingly in favour of council’s decision to spruce up the CBD, store managers admit they won’t be surprised if late-night passersby attempt to steal pot plants – this month installed out the front of Centro Mall.
Budding thieves may be in for a shock, however.
The pots, containing crepe myrtle trees and lavender bushes, are bolted to the median strip.
Council’s outdoor staff on August 7 erected the two pots and their respective plants at an entire cost of $700.
The project was carried out in conjunction with Council’s CBD Working Party and will soon be reflected throughout Auburn Street.
Although bare at present, the plants are poised to liven up the city centre.
“It should look great when the crepe myrtle comes into leaf, and eventually flowers, along with the pansies blooming,”
Goulburn Mulwaree general manager Warwick Bennett said.
“Although there are only two trees planted at this stage it is my intention to put a proposal to Council in September for a more significant upgrade including a lot more trees, street furniture, litter and recycling bins and more colourful plantings of flowers.”
Mr Bennett’s enthusiasm is shared by those who spend most of their working week on the Clifford to Goldsmith Street block.
“I like them, I’m in favour,” said Nadia Kitching, owner of women’s clothing store Emilie.
“Growing up, there were trees all through the middle of Auburn Street.”
Neighbour Andy Russell agrees.
“They look quite good, but I think trucks might hit them and vandals will get at them on the weekend,” the owner of Andy’s Shoe Repairs said. Jeweller Peter Zantis – a member of the CBD Working Party – believes the trees are a positive move.
“It’s a good idea, it will pretty things up. It’ll be fabulous,” he said.
An Auburn Street business employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, questioned why Council chose to plant trees on the median strip instead of focusing attention on the corners of each block.
“I think they’re fine, but my first thought was ‘how long before someone knocks them over’,” the employee said.
“It’s nice to have a few of those sorts of things on the main street, but on the corners would be nicer.”
The plants’ inclusion is one step in the Working Party’s five-point plan. Their proposal, based on observations of CBDs throughout regional NSW, includes the replacement of tar sealed areas with paving; the addition of pots containing shrubs and flowers to soften appearance and add colour; more street furniture; and the creation of pergolas and climbing plants.