The National Capital Authority (NCA) will commence landscape renewal activities along Anzac Parade in advance of the ANZAC centenary commemorations next year.
“Over the next three weeks, 19 dead and one storm damaged trees will be removed along Anzac Parade. There are 620 trees on either side of the Parade, so this represents only three per cent of the total number” NCA Acting Chief Executive Andrew Smith commented.
Mr Smith commented that the aim of the work is to improve public safety, as well as lengthen the life of the existing trees along Anzac Parade.
Mr Smith explained that the original planting of Southern Blue Gum (Eucalyptus bicostata) trees along Anzac Parade was undertaken to be ready for 1965, the 50th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and the replacement trees are grown from seed stock taken from the existing trees on the Parade and germinated at Yarralumla Nursery in Canberra. The replacement trees will be around one metre in height when planted.
Mr Smith explained that the maintenance program has been timed to occur outside major commemorative events. Stage one of the works will commence on 19 November 2013 and will take up to three weeks to complete. Stage two will begin on 6 January and will be completed before ANZAC Day.