CBD Revitalisation Project to Proceed with Removal of Plane Trees
Published on 11 December 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council will progress the CBD Streetscape Revitalisation Project following consultation and support from the Project Advisory Group to not retain any of the London Plane Trees in Gray Street.
As part of Council’s commitment to undertake broader community and stakeholder engagement on this project, a CBD Streetscape Project Advisory Group was established to consider all information available, including a newly commissioned tree audit. A series of consultation sessions with the group have taken place over the last few months to support informed decision-making for this crucial CBD project.
After reviewing detailed Tree Impact Audit Reports, which outlined substantial impact to surrounding buildings, footpaths and road infrastructure, the Advisory Group has provided advice to Council to not retain any Plane Trees for Stage One (Gray Street) and undertake similar investigations for Stage Two and Three to help guide these stages of the project.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Cr and Advisory Group Chair, Afton Barber said the Advisory Group has thoroughly reviewed audit reports to provide their advice.
“While the Project Advisory Group came together with differing points of view on this issue, everyone in the room agreed that the trees are beautiful. However, after reading, hearing and thoroughly considering all of the advice presented, they have come to conclusion that the trees need to be removed,” said Cr Barber.
“This project is vital for the future of the Hamilton CBD in ensuring that we not only address major issues with our infrastructure such as footpaths, roads and disturbance of buildings, but also ensure we create a welcoming and visually appealing place to live.
“The trees have long been an iconic fixture within our streets, but their impact cannot be ignored. We need streets that are safe for residents and visitors of all abilities so they can feel confident to shop and socialise in Hamilton.”
Project Advisory Group Member Sarah Hope said the group had deliberated long and hard over the best outcome for the Hamilton CBD and community.
“As many in our town would know, I have been a very vocal supporter for the retention of the CBD trees and was the originator of the petition to save the trees,” said Ms Hope.
“I welcomed the opportunity to be part of the Project Advisory Group so I could ensure whatever the outcome, we would find a good compromise for the CBD. Having viewed the engineering evidence, I’ve had to concede some tree removal is inevitable due to the extensive damage to infrastructure.
“It’s now incumbent on me, together with other tree supporters, to advocate the replacement trees are of a hardy, deciduous variety; I will never support the installation of native trees in the heart of Gray Street at any point. This is a fair compromise for all those passionate about saving the London Planes compared with those who want them gone,” Ms Hope continued.
“I have also recommended that if the trees should be removed then this should occur in stages to ensure the success of the redesign first and help mitigate budget cash flow.
“The Advisory Board has been a fantastic opportunity to get local heads together, all voices have been heard and respected, and I believe we’ve come up with some wonderful and exciting ideas,” said Ms Hope.
The Advisory Group provided the below recommendations to Council in advocating for the items be considered in the next round of design concepts:
- To achieve a lush, vertical green streetscape through a combination of tree canopy, climbers, and structural greening.
- Integrate advanced soil and stormwater systems to ensure tree longevity and environmental performance.
- Reflect Hamilton’s heritage and identity through materiality, craft, and cultural storytelling, including First Nations recognition.
- Deliver human comfort through a mix of shade, greenery, and practical amenities.
- Utilise modular construction for efficiency and minimal disruption.
- Activate laneways and public spaces through lighting, art, and vegetation.
Ms Hope said being an advocate for community voice through the Advisory Group has provided the group with the opportunity to directly shape the CBD project with community interests at the fore.
“Providing us the opportunity to advise Council on this project has and will continue to allow us to develop a cohesive, timeless, and a distinctly Hamilton CBD - one that honours the past while confidently embracing the future.
“We look forward to continuing this working relationship with Council so the project is better informed on community needs to make the best decisions possible for our residents,” concluded Ms Hope.
Council will now provide direction to project consultants Group GSA to develop an updated concept design incorporating feedback from the Project Advisory Group, including proposals for replacement tree species, greening walls and alternative footpath treatments for Gray Street.
Council will then bring updated concept designs back to a Council meeting in 2026, to be followed by further community engagement.
-Ends-