“As a number of the trees are now in poor or declining condition Council instigated a proactive removal and replacement program, with the support of the Berwick RSL, to protect the Avenue and preserve it into the future,” City of  Casey Mayor Cr Susan Serey said in the completion of the first stage of the Beaconsfield Avenue of Honour tree renewal program has been completed, with 32 new trees planted to replace those that were in poor condition.

These newly planted trees are to replicate those that were removed to ensure the visual character of this living memorial is maintained.

Stage 2 of the tree planting project will commence mid-2020 with additional trees at a number of vacant locations to strengthen the Avenue. Further tree removal and replacement stages will follow in 2021 and 2022 to coincide with their respective planting seasons.

Edrington Ward Councillor Tim Jackson said the replanting program has been welcomed by the community.

“We have received a number of calls from residents enquiring about the work and when we explain what we are doing, the response has been overwhelmingly supportive,” Cr Jackson said.

“The Avenue of Honour is clearly very important to residents and this project ensures that it will still be there for many years to come.”

Council will continue to engage with the community prior to the delivery of future stages and welcomes any feedback regarding the delivery of this significant project.