By Dominique Tassell
The Warwick CBD could soon look very different, with Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) “trialling” changes.
Overnight, four Claret Ash trees outside the Criterion Hotel were removed without any known consultation with the community.
A SDRC spokesperson stated that the trees will be replaced with planter boxes “to freshen up the streetscape”.
This comes after shared zone signs were replaced with 40km/hr regulatory speed signs in the Warwick CBD in July 2021, also with minimal community consultation.
The spokesperson stated that they want to retain the CBD’s iconic tree-lined streetscape, however did state that “if successful, the current trial could…possibly be rolled out further”.
They stated that the trees were removed in part due to the roots damaging footpaths and the street.
Staff at Samios Mini Mart stated they received no notice of the tree removal, and as they were there yesterday they assume the trees were removed overnight.
Questions have been raised about how this will affect the Jumpers and Jazz in July festival, as this now means four less trees for use in the festival.
Council has been contacted for comment.
More to come.
