Orbost - Nicholson Street footpath renewal

Project updates are provided in the tab below

The upgrade of a section of the Nicholson Street footpath will be completed as part of Council's asset maintenance program.

Pedestrian infrastructure plays a crucial role in creating livable, safe, and vibrant communities. The section of existing footpath on the east side of Nicholson Street, between McLeod Street and Clarke Street, will be upgraded to create a safe and accessible footpath, together with landscaping for aesthetic appeal.

Objective and scope

The objective of this project is to renew a section of footpath to promote safe pedestrian movement and ensure compliance whilst reducing ongoing maintenance costs. Potential landscaping next the footpath seeks to enhance the visitor appeal of the town.

The scope of works includes removal of certain trees to prevent further root damage, renewal of footpath pavement, and investigation of underground drainage.

Consultation and community engagement

An expression of interest for project reference group members was open from 12 March to 2 April 2025. Thank you to those who submitted their application.

Funding

The upgrade of the Nicholson Street footpath will be completed as part of Council's asset maintenance program in 2025.

We welcome your continued interest in this project; project updates will be provided on YourSay in the tab below, when available. Please click 'Subscribe' at the top of the page to follow this project and to receive important information directly to your inbox.

Should you wish to search for other projects near you, simply type the town name in the search bar.

Project updates are provided in the tab below

The upgrade of a section of the Nicholson Street footpath will be completed as part of Council's asset maintenance program.

Pedestrian infrastructure plays a crucial role in creating livable, safe, and vibrant communities. The section of existing footpath on the east side of Nicholson Street, between McLeod Street and Clarke Street, will be upgraded to create a safe and accessible footpath, together with landscaping for aesthetic appeal.

Objective and scope

The objective of this project is to renew a section of footpath to promote safe pedestrian movement and ensure compliance whilst reducing ongoing maintenance costs. Potential landscaping next the footpath seeks to enhance the visitor appeal of the town.

The scope of works includes removal of certain trees to prevent further root damage, renewal of footpath pavement, and investigation of underground drainage.

Consultation and community engagement

An expression of interest for project reference group members was open from 12 March to 2 April 2025. Thank you to those who submitted their application.

Funding

The upgrade of the Nicholson Street footpath will be completed as part of Council's asset maintenance program in 2025.

We welcome your continued interest in this project; project updates will be provided on YourSay in the tab below, when available. Please click 'Subscribe' at the top of the page to follow this project and to receive important information directly to your inbox.

Should you wish to search for other projects near you, simply type the town name in the search bar.

Your questions and feedback are welcome

Your questions and/or feedback are welcome on this project - your input is valuable and we are pleased you are on this journey with us. The project supervisor will be advised of your response and will look closely at what you have said - all feedback is important and will be considered.

The Project Supervisor's response can be posted publicly or privately - please let us know if you would prefer to be answered privately.

Share So more trees will be unnecessarily removed and most likely unsuitable species planted like in the Nicholson Streetscapes project that decimated every maturing shade tree in Orbost’s shopping precinct and wasted a huge amount of ratepayers money. The final results of this ill conceived project have been more than disappointing and look nothing like the original plans that were proposed of which I still have a copy. Now the Shire wants to remove more trees that are just starting to grow, instead of simply repairing the footpath? Orbost needs hundreds more fast growing, broad leaved deciduous shade trees, not less. So does Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale. Why does East Gippsland Shire have such an aversion to shade trees? Nicholson Street is now hot and unwelcoming in the summer for locals and visitors alike. East Gippsland Shire’s sights could look at towns like Bright, Yakandandah and Beechworth to learn how mature shade trees are a massive benefit for the towns. on Facebook Share So more trees will be unnecessarily removed and most likely unsuitable species planted like in the Nicholson Streetscapes project that decimated every maturing shade tree in Orbost’s shopping precinct and wasted a huge amount of ratepayers money. The final results of this ill conceived project have been more than disappointing and look nothing like the original plans that were proposed of which I still have a copy. Now the Shire wants to remove more trees that are just starting to grow, instead of simply repairing the footpath? Orbost needs hundreds more fast growing, broad leaved deciduous shade trees, not less. So does Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale. Why does East Gippsland Shire have such an aversion to shade trees? Nicholson Street is now hot and unwelcoming in the summer for locals and visitors alike. East Gippsland Shire’s sights could look at towns like Bright, Yakandandah and Beechworth to learn how mature shade trees are a massive benefit for the towns. on Twitter Share So more trees will be unnecessarily removed and most likely unsuitable species planted like in the Nicholson Streetscapes project that decimated every maturing shade tree in Orbost’s shopping precinct and wasted a huge amount of ratepayers money. The final results of this ill conceived project have been more than disappointing and look nothing like the original plans that were proposed of which I still have a copy. Now the Shire wants to remove more trees that are just starting to grow, instead of simply repairing the footpath? Orbost needs hundreds more fast growing, broad leaved deciduous shade trees, not less. So does Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale. Why does East Gippsland Shire have such an aversion to shade trees? Nicholson Street is now hot and unwelcoming in the summer for locals and visitors alike. East Gippsland Shire’s sights could look at towns like Bright, Yakandandah and Beechworth to learn how mature shade trees are a massive benefit for the towns. on Linkedin Email So more trees will be unnecessarily removed and most likely unsuitable species planted like in the Nicholson Streetscapes project that decimated every maturing shade tree in Orbost’s shopping precinct and wasted a huge amount of ratepayers money. The final results of this ill conceived project have been more than disappointing and look nothing like the original plans that were proposed of which I still have a copy. Now the Shire wants to remove more trees that are just starting to grow, instead of simply repairing the footpath? Orbost needs hundreds more fast growing, broad leaved deciduous shade trees, not less. So does Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale. Why does East Gippsland Shire have such an aversion to shade trees? Nicholson Street is now hot and unwelcoming in the summer for locals and visitors alike. East Gippsland Shire’s sights could look at towns like Bright, Yakandandah and Beechworth to learn how mature shade trees are a massive benefit for the towns. link

So more trees will be unnecessarily removed and most likely unsuitable species planted like in the Nicholson Streetscapes project that decimated every maturing shade tree in Orbost’s shopping precinct and wasted a huge amount of ratepayers money. The final results of this ill conceived project have been more than disappointing and look nothing like the original plans that were proposed of which I still have a copy. Now the Shire wants to remove more trees that are just starting to grow, instead of simply repairing the footpath? Orbost needs hundreds more fast growing, broad leaved deciduous shade trees, not less. So does Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale. Why does East Gippsland Shire have such an aversion to shade trees? Nicholson Street is now hot and unwelcoming in the summer for locals and visitors alike. East Gippsland Shire’s sights could look at towns like Bright, Yakandandah and Beechworth to learn how mature shade trees are a massive benefit for the towns.

James asked about 2 months ago

Hi James, thanks for sharing your thoughts - we appreciate your comments about street trees and the character they bring to our towns.
We’ve undertaken detailed assessments of the existing trees, footpath conditions and the underground services running beneath this section of Nicholson Street. The trees have caused significant footpath damage over time, which is creating safety risks for pedestrians.
New planting standards require a larger setback and more space to install modern root barrier systems. Unfortunately, because of the location of the underground services directly adjacent to the planting zone, we’re not able to reinstall new trees in the same positions - there simply isn’t enough room to meet current requirements without risking damage to essential infrastructure or creating further maintenance issues in the future.
To enhance the street’s appearance while ensuring long‑term safety and infrastructure protection, we’ll be installing six low‑lying garden beds that match the existing Nicholson Street streetscape. These garden beds will add greenery, improve the visual appeal of the area, and maintain clear sightlines for pedestrians and road users. A new maple tree will be planted using a root-barrier system. This will help to retain the streetscape character and contribute to a consistent, attractive environment as it matures.
Your feedback about the importance of greenery in our towns is truly valued, and it continues to help guide our approach to future streetscape improvements. Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Kind regards,
Infrastructure Projects
Share This looks like a great project. Thanks for improving the footpath in Orbost. on Facebook Share This looks like a great project. Thanks for improving the footpath in Orbost. on Twitter Share This looks like a great project. Thanks for improving the footpath in Orbost. on Linkedin Email This looks like a great project. Thanks for improving the footpath in Orbost. link

This looks like a great project. Thanks for improving the footpath in Orbost.

Nikki asked about 1 year ago

thanks for your feedback, Nikki.
Please consider joining the reference group for the works. Expressions of interest are welcome until 2 April 2025 - submit your interest

1

Page last updated: 24 Apr 2026, 12:22 PM