Werribee’s Avenue of Honour will live on while roadworks for the new East Werribee Employment Precinct are carried out.
The $71 million project involves building a freeway interchange at Sneydes Road and upgrading the intersection of Hoppers Lane and the Princes Highway.
Wyndham councillor Glenn Goodfellow said the council was working with VicRoads to ensure the First World War Avenue of Honour along the Princes Highway would live on as the new freeway interchange is built.
The move follows concern in the community that the historic memorial of elm trees planted in 1918 would be lost.
The council is also working to ensure a particular tree, known as the Governor’s gum, is retained during the works. The tree commemorates William Calder, a pioneer of Victoria’s road network.
Cr Goodfellow said it was important that the city’s heritage was not lost.
“While much-needed infrastructure for our growing community is delivered, our significant past should not be forgotten,” he said.
“We have worked closely with VicRoads on the design review and negotiated with them to retain the Governor’s tree and minimise tree loss.”
Cr Goodfellow said the council’s negotiations had resulted in more than 80 trees being saved. New trees will also be planted in the area.
