Northern entrance to grow into something special

The Mortlake Road entrance into Warrnambool will be enhanced with the planting of an avenue of Canary Island Date Palms.

“The planting, to begin within the next six weeks, will create a great sense of arrival to the north of the city,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Tony Herbert said.

“It continues an existing theme along this important entrance.

“The palms prompt a beach, seaside feeling, which is what Warrnambool is all about.

“There are examples of Canary Island Date Palms elsewhere around the city and they are much admired by residents. These palms, Phoenix canariensis, are included in our recommended street tree species list.

“They are a large, stately palm that is slow growing and will eventually reach up to 18m in height.

“Warrnambool has an eclectic tree planting regime which encompasses a diversity of species including native and introduced plants.”

A total of 24 palms will be planted along Mortlake Road from Wangoom Road to Balmoral Road, with most of the trees planted in the wide reserve on the eastern side of Mortlake Road.

Each palm costs $1680 which includes delivery and planting.

The palms will be between 1m and 1.5m tall when planted.

In recent weeks Council has been involved in its annual street tree planting program, which involves planting more than 300 trees along nature strips and other public spaces in Warrnambool.

Council will also replace a Canary Island Date Palm recently removed – because of its poor condition – from Timor Street.

/Public Release. View in full here.