Landscape Architecture Australia – August 2019

(Eucalyptus viminalis), originally retained as an integral
design element, was removed in February 2019 on the advice
of arborists who deemed the tree too great a risk to public
safety. The manna gum, though not native to the Kerang
district, had long been a familiar landmark on Victoria Street,
providing welcome shade outside the Memorial Municipal
Chambers’ forecourt. Current plans are to replant the bed with
lawn and two juvenile spotted gums (Cor ymbia maculata).

The loss of the manna gum from Victoria Street square does
not detract from what is an exemplary example of shared-space
design transforming a regional centre. Removing vehicles
altogether has not been a success in the CBDs of regional
towns; malls in Ballarat and Shepparton the latest in a growing

list of places actively seeking to reinvigorate their centres by

allowing them back in. Victoria Street’s new square represents

the visual and functional benefits that can be gained for rural

communities by removing the kerb but not curbing the car.

LANDSCAPE ISSUE 163 038 —

0 4 m

3

1 Post office

2 Courthouse

3 Memorial Municipal Chambers

Site plan 1:400

1 2

P R O J E C T

039