Next steps towards replanting Mortlake’s Avenue of Honour

Moyne Shire Council is continuing to work through extensive heritage permit conditions to replant Mortlake's Avenue of Honour.  

Mayor Cr Karen Foster said following the storm in January 2022, a significant number of trees sustained considerable damage and were removed with approval from Heritage Victoria.  

“The next step is to prepare the site for replanting working through various heritage conditions,” she said. 

“A surveyor has been appointed to plot the 13 stumps that remain. That work is expected to be completed by the end of February. A heritage consultant will also be appointed to ensure compliance with the extensive permit conditions.  

“Once the survey is done a contractor will remove the stumps and work to clear the site of any remaining branches and debris and level off uneven surfaces.  

“Soil testing will then take place, as required under the Heritage permit and interpretive signage will be installed.”  

Approved replacement trees, Holm Oak, were ordered in early 2021 when it had been determined the cypress trees had reached the end of their life and would need to be replaced.    

Cr Foster said they would reach the sizes required under the heritage permit in time to be planted in April or May 2024.  

“The approved replacement tree, Holm Oak, are slow growing and must be at a certain size before they can be planted under the heritage permit,” Cr Foster said.  

“We appreciate this has been a long process, but with the avenue being heritage listed, there are conditions and processes out of our control that we must follow.  

“We are on the final stretch now and are looking forward to the first stage of replanting.”  

Cr Foster said the total cost of the project was estimated to be around $550,000 - an additional cost which will be fully funded by Council.  

“We are seeking funding support from other sources but if that is not possible it will be fully funded from the Council budget,” she said.