Church Street Kerbing - Penola

What is being decided?

There is a section of kerb and gutter in Church Street, Penola (from Robe Road to Cameron Street) that needs attention due to damage caused by tree roots.

A number of remedies for this issue have been considered and Council is seeking community feedback on the preferred option.

Background

Council has approved a sum of $70,000 in the 2022/23 budget for kerb and gutter repair in Church Street, from approximately 50 metres south of Robe Road through to Cameron Street.

Works to replace the damaged kerb would require the removal of five mature Queensland Box trees. These trees are the cause of significant damage to the kerb infrastructure along this section of road.

What are the options?

The options that have been considered are:

Option 1 - Removal of the trees and reinstatement of the kerb

The original plan, this option would require the removal of the five trees to enable the reinstatement of the kerb using its current alignment.

Estimated cost: $70,000.

Pros:

• Expenditure for this option has already been approved by Council.
• Would result in the renewal of the kerb and gutter at the lowest cost.
• The trees would not continue to cause damage to the kerb and gutter.
• The roadway and parking would remain to be approximately 14 metres in total width.

Cons:

• The five mature trees would be removed.

Option 2 - Retain the trees and do not reinstate the kerb

This option would require the removal of the damaged kerbing so that the trees could remain in place. The kerb and gutter would not be reinstated.

Estimated cost: $15,000.

Example: Remove damaged kerb and not reinstate
(as seen outside Peter Thomson Wines on Church St)Pros:

• Lowest overall cost.
• The five mature trees would be retained.
• The roadway and parking would remain to be approximately 14m in total width.

Cons:

• Water would continue to pool causing ongoing drainage issues.
• The kerb and gutter would not get renewed.
• The trees may continue to cause further damage to the infrastructure.

Option 3 - Realignment of kerb to retain the trees

This option would involve the realignment of a new kerb further away from the trees, narrowing the parking lane.

Estimated cost: $200,000.

Example: Realign kerb to retain trees
(as seen on western side of Church Street from Darwent to Jessie Streets)

Pros:

• The five mature trees would be retained.
• Renewal of the damaged kerb and gutter.
• Creation of an additional 1.5m wide footpath.
• The trees would not continue to cause damage to the kerb and gutter.

Cons:

• Highest cost option.

Option 4 - Installation of protuberances to retain the trees

This option would involve the installation of protuberances into the roadway at the site of each tree to ensure that they can be retained.

Estimated cost: $200,000.

Example: Install protuberances and retain trees
(as seen in George Street, Millicent)

Pros:

• The five mature trees would be retained.
• Renewal of the damaged kerb and gutter.
• Creation of an additional 1.5m wide footpath.
• The trees would not continue to cause damage to the kerb and gutter.

Cons:

• Equal highest cost option.
• Installation of significant below ground stormwater piping and pits would be required.

Get involved

Feedback is now closed.

This consultation was open until 5 pm on Thursday, 6 April 2023.

Please note that all submissions, including the names of those responding may be tabled at a public meeting of Council unless otherwise indicated by the respondent in which case their details are to be excluded from publication.