Talbragar Street tree planting designs on public exhibition

Council said the overall vision is to substantially increase the level of shading within the CBD during the heat of summer, but still allow in the sun and warmth during the winter months. The increased shading across the asphalt and footpaths will help prevent heat absorption and subsequent release into the atmosphere.

The proposed new plantings would comprise of two tree species - Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm), and the Angophora floribunda, Rough-barked apple.

The Angophora floribunda is endemic to the Dubbo area, and has a canopy of approximately 12 metres, when fully matured.

Zelkova serrata 'wireless' is proposed to be used in areas where overhead electrical conductors or other height constraints such as shop awnings exist, as it grows to a manageable height of approximately seven metres and has a width canopy of up to eight metres.

A taller variety Zelkova serrata 'Green Vase' is proposed where these constraints don't exist, to provide a higher, broader canopy that will further enhance shading.

Underground root vaults will be installed under the road pavement to vastly improve the growing conditions for the trees to enable them to thrive in the street environment.

The plans are part of a broader beautification of the Dubbo CBD project, which also includes street tree plantings between Macquarie and Bligh streets on Talbragar, Bultje and Wingewarra streets.

The Talbragar Street Beautification Project (Macquarie to Darling streets) is being funded by Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) under the Street Tree Priority Planting Fund. This builds upon the Drought Resilient Urban Landscapes Project recently adopted by DRC, following public exhibition for additional tree planting in lower Bultje, Wingewarra and Talbragar streets. The same tree species are being used to ensure a consistent streetscape throughout the CBD.

There will be 20 new Zelkova serrata trees planed on either side of the streetscape and 15 Angophora floribunda trees included in a new centre median strip.

There will also be nine landscape sculptural elements (public art) permanently installed in the centre median.

The design concepts can be viewed on the Dubbo Regional Council website https://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/public-exhibition/talbragar-street-tree-planting

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