Page 1067 - Week 03 - Thursday, 23 March 2017
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(1) Why was the Eucalyptus mannifera species, commonly known as Brittle Gum, selected to replace the trees along the median of Northbourne Avenue when this species is known for shedding limbs and it is generally recommended not to plant this species where it can overhang dwellings.
(2) How many Eucalyptus mannifera have been purchased for the median of Northbourne Avenue.
(3) Where are the Eucalyptus mannifera intended for the median of Northbourne Avenue being stored.
(4) Who is responsible for maintaining the Eucalyptus mannifera until the trees are eventually planted.
(5) Are the Eucalyptus mannifera intended for the median of Northbourne Avenue being grown in rigid pots; if so, was consideration given to an alternative growing method.
(6) What is the cost of (a) purchasing the replacement trees for the median of Northbourne Avenue and (b) storing and maintaining those trees until they are eventually planted.
(7) Have any of the Eucalyptus mannifera purchased for the median of Northbourne Avenue died; if so, how many.
Ms Fitzharris: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Eucalyptus mannifera was chosen as the preferred species after an extensive selection process that considered the specific soil chemistry of the Northbourne Avenue median, the desired Avenue qualities to be achieved, and the operational requirements of the light rail system. The chosen species is also supported by the National Capital Authority.
The Eucalyptus mannifera are a local dry land species, suited to our current and future climate, with more than 100,000 already in Canberra streets and parks.
As with many of the 700,000 trees currently growing in urban areas, street verges and parks in Canberra, Eucalyptus mannifera can shed limbs. This infrequent occurrence is not unique to Eucalyptus mannifera.
(2) A total of 1200 trees have been procured by Yarralumla Nursery in response to an order from Canberra Metro for stage one of the Light Rail corridor. This includes suitable redundancy for environmental factors, care and maintenance issues, and ensures that the individual trees eventually planted within the median are of a form that is consistent with the landscape requirements and operational considerations of the light rail system.
(3) The trees are being stored at Yarralumla Nursery.
(4) The responsibility for a successful landscape outcome sits with Canberra Metro. Canberra Metro has sub-contracted Yarralumla Nursery to grow and maintain the trees until they are eventually planted out.
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