The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has confirmed that Stage Two of the Margaret River Makeover is progressing well, with kerbing and formwork for new footpaths due for construction from the Tunbridge Street intersection heading up hill.
In preparation, the Shire said contractors will be removing trees that are in poor health or causing extensive damage to the kerbing, identified by an independent arborist as part of the project design.
The majority of established trees will remain a prominent feature of the revamped street, with additional trees planted during final landscaping works. Once the project is complete, the total number of trees will increase from 78 to 92 along this stretch of town.
Shire Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Addison Brown said 'greening up' the town centre was a central part of the Main Street Makeover.
"The iconic trees along our Main Street are one of the most loved features of our town centre providing shade, natural beauty and habitat for bird life," she said.
The iconic trees along our Main Street are one of the most loved features of our town centre providing shade, natural beauty and habitat for bird life. Final landscaping plans include a range of native plants along the new median strips and surrounding garden beds.
- Stephanie Addison Brown, Shire Chief Executive Officer
"Final landscaping plans include a range of native plants to go in along the new median strips and surrounding garden beds. Established trees in 500L and 200L pot sizes will be planted when the final landscaping goes in.
"The new Festival Precinct on Fearn Av will have 12 new trees planted, providing lovely shade for the new seating areas," she said.
Meanwhile recent heavy rains across the region sparked video footage and photographs to be posted of flooding to stores at the bottom of Main Street.
"The downpour on Wednesday delivered a significant amount of rain in a short period, causing some shop owners concern about water pooling on the footpath outside their shops," said Project Manager Peter Brown.
Mr Brown said the Shire was unaware of any flooded properties.
"Contractors are doing their best to redirect storm water away from shops until the final drainage system is complete. There contractor prepares the site when heavy rains are forecast to minimise the impact of potential flooding.
"Spoon drainage systems will be installed at low lying sections of the footpath to further handle heavy rainfall as part of the new design.
"Works are progressing as planned. We do expect some delays due to weather, however, the contractor has sufficient resources on site to speed up and reduce any delays."
Anyone who is concerned about flooding should contact the Shire for assistance.
For more information about the project visit www.mainstreetmakeover.com.au
