Russell Lane in from the cold

In late 2015, councillors decided to include Russell Lane in the program at an extra $150,000 cost.

“Russell Lane is a unique aspect of the CBD precinct and would benefit by inclusion in the broader CBD enhancement,” operations director Matt O’Rourke said.

He told a public meeting of the council that paving and similar work to the Auburn St mid-block crossings was planned in the laneway, including treatment of a car park area.

Mr O’Rourke said he had already consulted with business owners in Russell Lane and their thoughts would be considered once preliminary plans came back.

Meantime, another Goulburn CBD tree is up for the chop after eight plane species were removed in Bradley St late last year.

A plane tree on Auburn St outside the former State Bank building on the corner of Goldsmith St is in the council’s sights.

Roots have uplifted the pavement and yellow paint highlights the potential trip hazard to pedestrians.

“We are concerned with the damage this tree is causing,” said council general manager Warwick Bennett.

“This tree, in our opinion, will have to be removed for safety and infrastructure damage reasons, plus for CBD enhancement works.”

If councillors give the nod, it will add to the line of trees removed from Auburn St in recent times.

Plane trees outside the AMP building, in front of the Post Office and opposite have received the chop. The council argues the trees’ invasive root system is unsuited to both the urban environment and its CBD beautification program.

Councillors decided to remove eight plane trees in Bradley St in late 2015. Goulburn Mazda owner Kieran Davies said the root system was clogging a large stormwater drainage pipe, causing flooding and expensive repairs to his business.

The trees will come down in February and be replaced with chanticleer pears, standing four- to five-metres high, at Mr Davies’ expense.