By JASON TURNER
MORE green please — that’s the verdict from the people of central Dandenong, who are calling on authorities to improve the city’s appearance.
After a question at the recent Greater Dandenong Council meeting, pointing to a lack of greenery along Hammond Road near Cheltenham Road, the Journal took the issue to people in central Dandenong’s commercial area.
A vast majority in Lonsdale and Thomas streets agreed there were too few trees in the city.
At the council meeting, the nature strip along Hammond Road between Cheltenham Road and Dandenong Creek was cited as just one example of Dandenong’s lack of greenery.T
he questioner, who asked his name not be published, said it was an “extremely ugly area” and was part of a city-wide issue, and added that it was a shame the “eyesore” was on the main south-eastern gateway to Dandenong.
Thomas Street cafe owner Tass Stama said there was definitely a need for more trees, especially in the areas closer to the freeway, but she believed the area had improved.Other locals were disappointed with the removal of large trees during the Lonsdale Street redevelopment, while some maintained that the look of the main street had improved.
Some said the recent improvements to Lonsdale Street should be spread to other key streets.
Engineering services director Bruce Rendall said the council spent about $1.4 million annually planting and maintaining street trees.
Mr Rendall said the council aimed to plant 1250 trees and 18,000 native plants this financial year and various factors were taken into consideration on where to plant trees.
Mayor Angela Long said the city was in “transition” with certain areas still to be revitalised.
The council will begin works in Thomas Street in May with $800,000 being spent to transform the Afghan Bazaar area.
OPINION
The Journal asked locals whether Dandenong needs more greenery, and if so, where? See our carousel above for answers.
What do you think needs to be done to beautify central Dandenong? Post your comment below or via Twitter, @DandyJournal
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