General News
6 December, 2024
Town entrance to get fresh new look
A STEEP embankment heading north out of Atherton will be given a fresh new look, with new plantings that will not require too much regular maintenance.
The bank is on the western side of Tolga Road, between the intersection with Golf Links Road and the intersection with Grove Street, and according to Tablelands Regional Council, has proven difficult to maintain.
The area is controlled by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, but council carries out routine maintenance as part of the Road Maintenance Performance Contract.
“TRC is carrying out routine maintenance of this area….however, the approved level of maintenance is below community expectations,” a report to council stated.
“The bank, which is a feature of Atherton’s northern access, tends to be infested with weeds. This is both unsightly and a potential biosecurity hazard.
“Treatment of weeds via spraying is difficult and not visually appealing; mechanical treatment via whipper snipping is dangerous and costly; mowing via boom mower does not result in an aesthetically pleasing outcome and is relatively expensive.
“Revegetating the bank with a selection of low maintenance plants has been identified as a suitable option for this area.”
The refurbishment will cost $36,481 to complete and $7594 annually to maintain the area.
“The annual maintenance costs are likely to exceed current ones, however, the current maintenance regime is significantly below community expectations,” the report stated.
