We are pleased to share that works on the George Street Bridge project are now complete.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share feedback during the planning and design stages.

Your input has helped shape an outcome that balances safety, environmental improvements and local needs.

What the works included

The completed project delivers a range of improvements, including:

• Realignment of kerbing and additional verge planting, helping to enhance the streetscape and improve amenity.
• Installation of rain gardens to treat stormwater before it enters the creek, supporting healthier waterways and better environmental outcomes.
• Retention of on-road carparking spaces to support nearby properties.
• Riparian planting along the creekline, informed by feedback from the Friends of Brownhill Creek, to help rehabilitate areas impacted by construction.
• Natural stone render on the upright retaining walls, creating a finish that aligns with other projects delivered by the Brownhill Keswick Creek Board.

These improvements support safer movement through the area while also enhancing the natural environment around the creek.

Thank you again for being involved and helping us deliver better outcomes for our community.

For more information please see our new page George Street Bridge.

Thank you for your feedback on the replacement of the vehicle bridge and pedestrian bridge in George Street, Hawthorn. Located at the intersection of George and Clifton Streets, the bridge provides a link over Brownhill Creek.

At its meeting on 14 March 2023, Council resolved to undertake further consultation with the community on two options:

1. Closure of the bridge to vehicle traffic and focusing on pedestrian connectivity along the creek line and providing for continuity of open space between JW Morris Reserve and Delwood Reserve.
2. Renewing the bridge to keep the road open and maintain traffic flow.

This is expected to take place in April / May 2023.

The Agenda and Minutes for the 14 March 2023 meeting can be found in the Documents tab in the side panel.

Background

In 2013, Council sought feedback on the Brownhill Creek (Hawthorn Reserves) Reconstruction Masterplan that included the proposed removal of the George Street vehicle bridge. The feedback received highlighted the importance of retaining the vehicle bridge for businesses and residents on George Street.

A condition audit undertaken in 2015 identified the need for renewal of the bridge and budgeted for its replacement this financial year. Council investigated constructability of the replacement bridge in 2020/21 focusing on safeguarding the significant tree in J.W. Morris Reserve (Adjacent the track to Mitcham Library). Council has completed a detailed design to replace the bridge which maintains two lanes of traffic flow. An arborist has been engaged to provide construction methodology to ensure protection of, and to monitor, the significant tree during replacement of the bridge.

Works will require the removal of exotic trees (Lombardy Poplar and Desert Ash) immediately downstream of the bridge (Adjacent Delwood Reserve). The majority of these trees have a low or moderate retention value, the desert ash are classed as invasive pest species. Some are in poor health and recommended for removal regardless of bridge works. The removal of the Lombardy Poplars will be subject to Council approvals. Works will include re-vegetation of the creek line with native species.