First trees planted on Northbourne Avenue for light rail


Released 10/04/2018

The first tree was planted on Northbourne Avenue today, marking another major milestone for Canberra’s light rail project.

Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris said today’s tree planting marked the beginning of the transformation of our northern gateway to the city.

“Light rail is not just a transport project. It will transform Northbourne Avenue and revitalise this important gateway to the nation’s capital.

“Today marks an important milestone, with the first Eucalyptus mannifera being planted on Northbourne Avenue. From here, a major planting program will begin with more than 1,000 trees and one million plants to be placed along the route.

“This five metre high gum planted today between Elouera and Girrawheen Streets and will eventually form part of an iconic corridor lined with local, environmentally appropriate and beautiful trees and landscaping.

“These gums are considered an impressive species which have featured in other landscaping projects around Canberra over the past 50 years, creating beautiful native boulevards,” said Minister Fitzharris.

The Light Rail Landscape Plan will 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.  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 were selected. Planting has also commenced on some verges in the northern end of the corridor with similar trees.

“Importantly, today’s planting of Eucalypts begins 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.”

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.

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Claire Johnston

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0452 597 459

clairev.johnston@act.gov.au


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