Torquay Foreshore set for tree change
Published on 04 July 2022
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) will this week start work on a substantial revegetation project along Torquay Foreshore, between Bell Street and Zeally Bay Road.
The Tree Replacement Project will enhance the area along The Esplanade by replacing aged and unsafe trees that have reached the end of their life and include an additional 2,500 new plants.
The project will provide more shade, wind shelter and improve amenity, supporting local business by activating outdoor spaces close to shops, restaurants and cafes.
The project will also benefit native wildlife by increasing habitat. Most of the species are endemic to the area and include a mix of grasses, groundcovers, shrubs and feature trees to enhance both amenity and biodiversity.
Some Australian native feature trees that are not endemic to the region have been selected due to their amenity value. While some additional garden beds and revegetation sites are included in the plan, open lawn spaces and overflow parking areas will be maintained.
The project has been carefully designed to ensure minimal impact on The Esplanade’s ocean views by only planting trees between property borders and at the end of t-intersections.
The Authority has consulted and worked with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners on the project, as well as informing neighbouring residents and businesses.
The Torquay Foreshore is the first phase of a broader program of revegetation planned from Spring Creek to Whites Beach in the coming years, as outlined in the Draft Point Impossible to Jan Juc Masterplan 2020-25(PDF, 2MB).
The draft masterplan, inherited by the Authority from the previous Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, was informed by community and stakeholder feedback over 2019 and 2020.
The project is funded by Surf Coast Shire Council, courtesy of a grant from the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund 2021. This fund is available to councils for landscaping and other minor works to develop outdoor precincts that support the local economy and traders.
Further project information can be found on our website:
https://www.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/Projects/Torquay-Tree-Replacement-Project
Quotes attributable to Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority CEO, Jodie Sizer
“The Esplanade is at the heart of what makes Torquay such a popular location to live and visit, and this project will provide an even more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
“The increased habitat will also benefit the environment, and we look forward to expanding this work along the Torquay coastline in coming years.”