Kingston Council’s controversial Beach Rd tree project knocked back by VicRoads

A controversial plan by Kingston Council to plant vegetation along busy Beach Rd has seen it fork out $6200 on 150 native trees. But VicRoads has put a stop to the project before they could be put in the ground.

Mark Tyquin, Catherine McLeod, Tony McLeod and Joseph Boulos are furious about plans to plant trees along the Bay Trail. Picture: Josie Hayden

Kingston Council has controversially forked out thousands of dollars on trees for Beach Rd, only to have the project scuttled by VicRoads.

The Leader understands the roads’ authority has knocked back the council, which paid $6263 for coastal banksia trees to plant on nature strips along the coastal road, due to safety concerns and the need for more community consultation.

Politicians and the community have slammed the council for splashing cash on a project that had not gained the green light.

Cr Geoff Gledhill said VicRoads’ refusal was a win for the community but he was “extremely disappointed” the trees had already been bought by the council.

“VicRoads … advised … they can’t plant coastal banksias on nature strips as they are a danger to road users and too big,” Cr Gledhill said.

“I’m glad they’ve have seen common sense, but one would have thought the council may have realised this prior to purchasing the trees.”

Cat McLeod, of Parkdale, said she was pleased the roads’ authority had put the community’s safety first.

“We’re really pleased VicRoads have heard the community and ignored the council’s runaway approach to the project,” Ms McLeod said.

The council bought 150 coastal banksia trees, like this one pictured.

Sandringham state Liberal MP Brad Rowswell said he was angered the council had used ratepayers’ money without approval.

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Mr Rowswell said if the project was approved costs would’ve blown out to about $32,000 once maintenance was included.

“It’s a bit presumptuous to waste ratepayers’ money before VicRoads had consented to the plans — I’m glad the wishes of the community have been respected,” Mr Rowswell said.

Mayor Georgina Oxley said VicRoads had advised the council it was not in a position to provide support to the proposal as the review had identified issues requiring further investigation and follow up.

“The banksias purchased will be used elsewhere including other planting programs along the foreshore,” Cr Oxley said.

She said the council undertook a wide range of planting throughout the year, and had just receive an increase in the budget to keep greening neighbourhoods.

“Council officers are in the process of arranging a time with VicRoads to discuss the proposal in further detail.”

VicRoads regional director metro southeast Mark Koliba said the safety of roads and communities was a key priority and managed roadside vegetation carefully and regularly.

“We aim to support active travel and healthier environments by planting and protecting trees in the road reserve where appropriate,” Mr Koliba said.

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