Deans Marsh and Winchelsea have received leafy makeovers, with trees planted along key roads in both towns in partnership with local communities as part of our multi-year 'Branching Out' initiative.
We worked with the Deans Marsh Streetscaping Group to deliver the Deans Marsh project, featuring planting in priority areas identified in the group's Community Streetscape Vision.
New trees have been planted on Birregurra-Deans Marsh Road, Deans Marsh-Lorne Road and Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road.
The aim is to create tree-lined avenues that contribute to the community streetscape vision for Deans Marsh of 'cool, vibrant and interesting streets that work to strengthen a sense of place for residents and visitors.'
Plans for the Winchelsea project were developed in partnership with Growing Winchelsea's Arboretum Trail sub-committee.
Trees have been added along Barwon Terrace and Hopkins Street, aligning with the sub-committee's Winchelsea Arboretum Trail Concept Plan.
The contract for both projects includes watering and maintenance for the first two years, to help the trees become healthy and established.
Councillor Leon Walker said the projects were a perfect coming together of Council's tree planting aims and two worthwhile community initiatives.
"Council has worked closely with community groups in Deans Marsh and Winchelsea to develop tree planting programs that meet their priorities," Cr Walker said.
"It's a great example of what can be achieved when communities get active in planning the future of their towns, and then partner with Council to help make their plans a reality."
James Maund of the Deans Marsh Streetscapers said the Deans Marsh community are thrilled to have 80 new street trees in the centre of town.
"As soon as the trees went in there was an immediate and exciting new sense of place created," Mr Maund said.
"This project is an excellent example of the Shire and local community working together to deliver a project which will have positive outcomes for generations to come."
Naida Hutton from Growing Winchelsea's Arboretum Trail sub-committee said, "Two of the stated aims of our Concept Plan are to provide beautiful avenues in Winchelsea streets and become known as a treed town.
"Other benefits of this ongoing project, include mitigating the heat in our streets in summer and providing streetscapes of which all residents will be proud.
"We look forward to continuing our work with Council and advocating for the community for further tree planting, in our current streets and in the developments that are predicted for Winchelsea."
'Branching Out' is being planned as a six-year initiative, subject to future funding, that would ultimately see around 1200 new trees planted across the shire.
It aims to increase the Surf Coast's 'urban forest,' creating environmental benefits while contributing to increased health and wellbeing for the community and more vibrant and liveable places.
Future planting projects will be identified through development of a Branching Out implementation strategy, which will include an opportunity for community input early in 2026.
"Trees help cool streets down and make them more visually appealing, and they also help both biodiversity and stormwater filtration," Cr Walker said.
This is an important initiative for Council and we're excited to see the planting for our first two projects."
See more information on our Branching Out webpage.
