A number of trees on the streets of Murwillumbah have been cut down and Tweed Shire Council is now looking to replant four new trees in places where they were removed.
Trees in towns and urban environments bring a wide range of benefits from shade, that helps keep towns cool, to improving air quality, keeping towns beautiful, and providing habitat for wildlife.
‘These new trees will help mitigate the urban heat while creating more comfortable, welcoming public spaces,’ said Murray Smith, Manager of Parks and Active Communities at Tweed Shire Council.
‘By improving root zones, adding new garden beds and seating, this project will foster a more sustainable and vibrant environment for the community,’ Mr Smith said.
The initiative is part of the Cool Towns Urban Forest Program which focuses on revitalisation of urban areas and providing much-needed shade and beautification for the community.
Key activities in phase one include removing old trees stumps and root systems, cutting and removing existing concrete and installing new garden beds, adding seating areas and planting two-year-old trees. Tristaniopsis Laurina ‘Luscious’ (Watergum) is the chosen tree species for this project.
Work will take 1-2 weeks at each of the following locations:
• 118 Murwillumbah Street (next to the Post Office)
• 116 Murwillumbah Street (next to Westpac)
• 44-54 Murwillumbah Street (next to Tursa Employment)
• Corner of Brisbane Street and Proudfoot Lane (next to IGA)
Phase 2 will expand the project to 7 additional tree locations within the Murwillumbah CBD but is contingent on grant funding.
While the project will bring lasting benefits, some short-term disruptions are expected.
Traffic, parking and pedestrian access may be impacted, but every effort will be made to minimise these disruptions to local businesses and the community.
Noise and construction activity will also occur, though businesses will remain open throughout.
Council encourages residents, business owners and visitors to stay informed on the project’s progress by visiting yoursaytweed.com.au/cool-towns.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
