TREE REMOVAL: Residents and passers-by were visibly shocked to see the extent of the tree removal in the vicinity of Bluewater Drive, Narooma last week.
TREE REMOVAL: Residents and passers-by were visibly shocked to see the extent of the tree removal in the vicinity of Bluewater Drive, Narooma last week.
The size of the proposed roundabout on the Narooma Flat dictated the clearing of several trees in the area.
NAROOMA residents have been invited to have their say on the second landscaping phase of the $3.6 million Narooma Streetscaping Project that is currently transforming the northern end of town.
Many residents were however shocked at the extent of the tree removal conducted last week in preparation of the large roundabout that is going to be built at the intersection of McMillan Road and Bluewater Drive.
The Narooma News fielded several calls when the tree lopping began and has since received a number of letters to the editor.
Director of infrastructure services Warren Sharpe said the tree removal was a planned part of the first stage of the civil works as presented to the public in the information sessions held in February.
“This work is needed to accommodate the modifications to the Princes Highway including the proposed roundabout, the new junction into Bowen Street and easing of the tight curves,” he said.
“This is part of the civil works now being undertaken and due for completion by the end of this financial year.”
After the consultation with the Narooma Streetscape Steering Committee, Mr Sharpe said a landscape consultant had now been selected and would be commencing the process of gathering ideas for how people would like the street to look and feel when it is complete.
“We’ve already received some feedback through the initial consultation on the civil works that people would like to see trees planted back in appropriate areas,” he said.
Questions being asked included: “How would you like the streetscape to look along the Narooma flat between Wharf and Field streets?”
Interested parties can tell the council by attending an information session, filling in a questionnaire or by making a submission to council.
Mayor Lindsay Brown, chairman of the Narooma Streetscape Sunset Advisory Committee overseeing the project, is looking forward to hearing how residents and businesses envision the streetscape.
“Your ideas and feedback will be used to develop the concept plan for the landscaping work,” Cr Brown said.
“Please try and come along to one of the information sessions.
“We would really like to know what you want to see included in the streetscaping of this area of Narooma.”
The landscaping work is to complement the phase one reconstruction that is currently installing new service mains and storm water lines and realigning Bluewater Drive for a new roundabout.
Those who cannot make any of the information sessions but would like still to have a say, can send an email to council@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au or a letter to PO Box 99, Moruya NSW 2537.
The Narooma Streetscaping Phase 1 works will be completed by mid-December 2013 and Phase 2 works will begin in September 2013 and be completed by June 2014.
Landscaping Design Sessions:
Friday, March 22: 9am to 3pm
Meet and greet a representative from the consultant on this project, Ayling & Drury Landscape Architects, take a walk with them along the Princes Highway from McMillan Road to Field Street
Saturday, March 23: 9am to 12noon, outside Meads Bakery
Information stand with council staff and members of the Narooma Streetscape Sunset Committee.
Sunday, March 24: 8am to 12noon, Rotary Markets, NATA Oval
Information stand with council staff and members of the Narooma Streetscape Sunset Committee.
Questionnaires will also be available from today at the Narooma Library, Visitors Centre, Meads Bakery and council’s depot on Glasshouse Rocks Road.