The next stage of the Green Spine project in Stuart Street Mullumbimby will start on 11 October, Byron Shire Council has announced today.
Council says the Green Spine is a key priority identified in the Mullumbimby Masterplan, produced in cooperation with representatives from community groups including the Mullumbimby Residents Association, Mullum Cares and Creative Mullum.
The aim of the project is to formalise parking on the southern section of Stuart Street along with an on-road bike lane in the residential area, as well as landscaping including the planting of what will grow to be an avenue of native trees.
Council has advised residents and businesses on Stuart Street that 20 trees, including golden cane palms and invasive African Tulip trees will be removed as part of the work.
Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said Council did not take the removal of trees lightly, but said new landscaping plans would incorporate even more trees that were native and would provide better habitat for wildlife.
“Of course we know the value our community puts on trees and some will say that we should not be removing existing trees to plant more but nine of these are invasive species and toxic to some bees and the majority of the others are not native either.”
“We will be building new garden beds and planting 28 trees that are mature nursery stock that have been selected because they are appropriate native species for this area and will grow up to provide shade and habitat for birds and animals,” Mr Holloway said.
The Green Spine project also includes:
- Line marking for car parks in the commercial zone;
- A land-scaped transition zone to reflect the change in speed limit from 50km/hr to 30km/hr;
- On-road bike lane in the residential area;
- Footpaths extended on both sides of Stuart Street to Fern Street.
Letters have been distributed to businesses and residents in the area and the Mullumbimby Residents Association and the Chamber of Commerce have been notified.
“This project aims to make this part of Mullumbimby a green, shady space that is safe for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers while providing parking for people wanting to shop in the CBD,” Mr Holloway said.
The project will take approximately two months, with the aim being to finish in early-mid December.
