Tree Planting Outcome for Gibson Street Upgrade

Background & Decisions

Since 2016, we’ve been working closely with the Bowden community to develop a streetscape improvement plan for the historic streets between Hawker Street, Drayton Street, Park Terrace and the new Bowden development. In recent years, planning an upgrade of Gibson Street has been a key focus.

2023

At the end of 2023, Council decided to bring the Gibson Street Upgrade project forward from 2026/27 to 2025/26, based on a council-approved concept plan for the upgrade that responded to earlier community feedback received. While the concept plan responded to local requests for improved walkability, a low-speed road environment and support for local business, requests for more trees and landscaping had not yet been considered.

As a result, Council approved community engagement to finalise tree planting plan for the upgrade concept plan, as well as investigation into removal of above-ground electrical infrastructure that may not be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.


2024

In August & September 2024, you were invited to share feedback on the initial street tree planting proposal, which presented two possible options that align with our Tree Canopy Strategy.

    While there was a majority support (67%) for Bottlebrush infill planting (Option 1), Council heard from community at its meeting in November 2024 when the community engagement findings were being considered. Individuals spoke at this meeting, sharing that they felt more could be done to support and improve tree canopy in Gibson Street. As a result, Council deferred any decision(s) regarding the Gibson Street tree planting plans until the first Council meeting of 2025 so that staff could think about other solutions.

    • You can view the high-level consultation outcomes of the 2024 planting options in the 'Engagement Feedback' tab on this page or view the Community Engagement Outcomes Report on the initial planting options.


    2025

    In January 2025, Council agreed on a new, hybrid tree planting option for Gibson Street. The hybrid option combined elements of both original options (options 1 and 2) from 2024 and considered options for larger trees to be incorporated into the design to increase tree cover. It was also agreed that community should be invited to share any comments on the updated proposal and concept plan before any decisions were made.

    Community notification of the (hybrid) planting proposal occurred in March 2025. Feedback was invited for a period of approximately 3-weeks on the updated planting proposal and concept plan for Gibson Street before a decision was made. The feedback received was very positive and the hybrid tree planting solution has been approved.

    Hybrid-Solution Outcomes

    This approach offered the best balance of sustainability and aesthetics, while responding to community feedback by:

  • Increasing tree cover and shade.
  • Creating a mix of tree types for better biodiversity.
  • Improving the overall look of the street.
  • Reducing disruption while making positive changes.

    • Initial proposal [2024]

    The following options were presented to community for preference and feedback in August/September 2024:

    • Option 1

      Infill tree planting with more Bottlebrush trees

      This option proposed to keep all the existing Bottlebrush trees in the street and plant additional bottlebrush trees to increase the canopy and deliver a consistent species in the street.

    • Option 2

      Removal of existing Bottlebrush trees for replacement with new Crepe Myrtle trees

      This option proposed to remove the existing Bottlebrush in the street and replace them with new Crepe Myrtle trees, introducing a new species in the street.

    Hybrid proposal [2025]

    An updated, hybrid tree planting proposal was proposed after considering feedback received in response to the initial proposal in August/September 2024 which put forward two possible planting options for consideration. This hybrid solution was proposed as a compromise position which combines the best elements of both earlier planting options one and two.

    Hybrid proposal

    1. Western Side of Gibson Street - Keep existing bottlebrush trees + plant new Crepe Myrtles:

    The existing bottlebrush trees on the western side of the street will stay. New Crepe Myrtle trees will be planted between the Bottlebrush trees, where possible, to improve greenery.

    2. Eastern (City) Side - Replace bottlebrush trees with Crepe Myrtle and Chinese Pistachio trees:

    The bottlebrush trees on the eastern (city) side will be removed and replaced with Crepe Myrtle trees, or Chinese Pistachio trees in wider verges (where space allows), for a more even canopy.

    Outcomes of the Hybrid Proposal

    Tree removals: 8 Bottlebrush trees are proposed for removal, including all trees on the eastern side of the project area and one on the western side, allowing for an overall increase in tree numbers.

    Tree retention: 38 trees will be retained, including the Bottlebrush trees on the western side and the majority of trees located north of Hawker Street.

    New tree planting: Up to 54 new trees are proposed, which will consist of:
    • 41 Crepe Myrtle trees
    • 13 Chinese Pistachio trees (to be planted in areas where larger verge widths permit).

    Engagement feedback

    Community Engagement Outcomes: Initial Planting Options

    Below is a summary of the community engagement outcomes and feedback on the streetscape upgrade concept and initial planting options in 2024, which led to a hybrid tree planting option to be put forward in early 2025.

    • Information reached over 1,000

      Engagement promotion reached over 1,000 people via maildrop & Your Say Charles Sturt project page & email campaign.

    • 58 submissions

      We received feedback from 58 respondents online and in writing between 30 August and 21 October 2024.

    • Mostly Local

      Over 70% of participants lived in or surrounding Gibson Street (in Bowden, Brompton, West Hindmarsh).

    • Option 1 Preferred

      67% of participants preferred Option 1 - keeping existing Bottlebrush trees and planting more Bottlebrush to fill gaps.

      33% preferred Option 2 - removing and replacing all Bottlebrush and new tree planting with Crepe Myrtle trees match adjoining streets either side of Gibson Street.

    • Updated hybrid proposal developed

      Some residents didn't feel the options presented were delivering the best tree canopy outcome for cover and biodiversity. In response, we developed a revised proposal in early 2025, combining options 1 & 2 and adding a larger-canopied tree to the mix. We shared this proposal in March 2025.

    • Hybrid Outcome Supported

      We received 25 feedback submissions in response to the hybrid planting proposal shared in March 2025. Very positive community feedback was received on this updated proposal and a decision was made to proceed with this option.

    Hybrid-Solution Engagement Outcomes & Sentiment [2025]

    In March 2025, the alternative hybrid planting solution was shared with the community for optional comment. Here is a summary of the feedback.

    Gibson Street Upgrade Concept Plan

    This is the endorsed streetscape upgrade concept plan showing the approved hybrid tree planting solution.

    Click on the image below to expand the view. A high-resolution PDF version is also available in the document library.

    Image of the Updated, Hybrid Gibson Street Tree Planting Concept Plan

    What should I expect as a resident in the area?

    The selected tree species will be planted as the footpath and kerb construction reaches completion. The trees will then be maintained until they are established and mature.

    Construction is planned in the 2025/26 financial year, between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

    Residents and stakeholders will be notified before construction starts, with details and access or movement restrictions, from Council's appointed contractor.

    Submit feedback on the hybrid planting solution

    Consultation has now concluded. Consultation on the hybrid planting solution was open from 9am Tuesday 4 March and closes on 5pm, Monday 24 March 2025. Keep an eye on this page for updates.

    • Online Submission

      Share any comments on the concept plan by completing this online submission form.

      Comment by 5pm, Monday 24 March.

      Provide your comments here 

    • Call Us

      If you prefer to speak with us, give us a call and we will take your comments over the phone.


      Call us on 8408 1270

    • Write or Email

      Share comments on the updated tree planting proposal in a written submission to City of Charles Sturt, Attn Gibson Street Upgrade to:

      PO Box 1, Woodville SA 5011; or
      engagement@charlessturt.sa.gov.au.

      Write or Email Us