Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Maturing elms to get new lease of lifeThirty-four Elm trees planted fifteen years ago between Breed Street and Loch Park Road in Traralgon have been assured longevity, following a decision by Council to remove encroaching species over a three year period. By Latrobe City Council - 22nd August 2003 - Back to News The Elms were planted fifteen years ago by the former City of Traralgon to create an extension to Traralgon’s renowned avenue of Elms in Kay Street between Franklin Street and Breed Street.
Latrobe City Mayor, Cr Graeme Middlemiss, explained that when the Elm trees between Breed Street and Loch Park Road were planted, it was decided to temporally retain as many of the existing trees as possible until the Elms matured sufficiently.
"This ensured that the existing leafy streetscape in Kay Street was not interrupted. However, the Elms have now grown sufficiently to be attractive in their own right, and it’s reached the stage where the other species planted nearby are impeding the future growth of the Elms," Cr Middlemiss explained.
Councillor Peter Tyler, praised the foresight of Traralgon Councillors who had initiated the planting. "Fifteen years ago a decision was made to extend the avenue of Elms from Franklin Street through to Loch Park Road. It will take another thirty years before the section between Breed Street and Loch Park Road matures to the stage where they are comparable with those between Franklin Street and Breed Street; but just as the local government of the day thought far into the future, we must now play our part," Cr Tyler said.
Latrobe City’s Parks Officer, John Ruyg said the Elms Ulmus Procera would remain stunted unless allowed to access the light and moisture now taken up by adjacent species. "Twenty-five trees will be removed over three years, with the third of the trees most affecting nearby Elms, removed the first year," Mr Ruyg explained.
"Winter is the best time to remove these trees as Spring provides an enormous boost to tree growth, and the Elms will receive maximum benefit," Mr Ruyg said.
Mr Ruyg said the trees being removed were of various species including Pin Oaks, Liquidamber, Eucalyptus and Cypress.
Councillor Sheridan Bond said that Traralgon was fortunate to have a broad avenue such as Kay Street. "Latter day residents may not know that at one stage Kay Street was identified as the future traffic corridor through Traralgon, and as a consequence, town planners kept the streetscape deliberately wide to accommodate this. As the years passed, other options came into being for future traffic arrangements and we are left with this lovely wide avenue, that’s a feature of the town," Cr Bond explained.
"Nobody likes to see trees removed, but in this case it’s necessary to ensure the long term survival of specimens that will in turn add to the attractiveness of Traralgon’s renowned leafy streetscapes," Cr Bond added.
An information session for Kay Street residents living between Breed Street and Loch Park Road, will take place in the Traralgon Council Chambers 5.30pm – 6.30pm, Thursday 28 August. Further information is available from Latrobe City Council, telephone 1300 367 700.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025. - East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - East Gippsland Council warns pets aren’t presents, urges thoughtful, responsible lifelong commitment this Christmas season
East Gippsland Council urges residents to avoid gifting pets impulsively this Christmas, emphasizing lifelong commitment, care, and responsibility, suggesting adoption vouchers or sponsorships as thoughtful alternatives. - Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
- Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values. - Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation. - Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development. - Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities. - Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria reflecting on 2025 year of growth, advocacy, and stronger Peri-Urban communities
As 2025 ends, PUCV reflects on a productive year of growth, advocacy, and connectivity improvements, thanking member councils and supporters, while preparing an ambitious agenda for 2026 and beyond. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to enhance town centres until 20 October 2025
Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities. - Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect. - Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025. - Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026. - Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
|
|