Community passion drives leafier Deans Marsh streets

A group of dedicated locals in Deans Marsh has partnered with Council to bring a long-lasting ‘tree change’ to the town’s main streets.

The Deans Marsh Streetscapers were born from a community planning process in 2020 where streetscape improvements, including the addition of more street trees, were identified as a priority.

Streetscapers group member James Maund says the Deans Marsh community has always had a strong affinity with trees and nature.

“Historically it’s one of the most active areas for Landcare, and it’s the centre for agroforestry, probably in Australia,” James said.

“There’s an arboretum, and being so close to the Great Otway National Park, trees, vegetation and ecology in general are important to this community.

“So trees were a bit of a no-brainer, and something that could make a lasting and positive impact.

“They give multiple benefits – they look great, they create a sense of place, they give shade and shelter, and add to the biodiversity.”

The group submitted a proposal to Council’s Community Project Development Program, receiving funding to work with a landscape architect and develop a vision for tree planting and other potential streetscape improvements.

Council’s introduction of a new Shire-wide street tree planting initiative – called ‘Branching Out’ – was the next step forward.

Having already done the preliminary work, the Streetscapers’ tree planting vision for Deans Marsh stood as one of two ideal projects to be delivered first with ‘Branching Out’ funding.

Five years on from the initial community planning process and the formation of their group, the results of the Streetscapers’ efforts are clear for all to see.

New trees now line the roadsides in prominent locations along Birregurra-Deans Marsh Road, Deans Marsh-Lorne Road and Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road.

“I’ve only heard really positive feedback – trees seem to put a smile on people’s faces,” James said.

“You see the trees everyday as you’re walking or driving through the town, and there’s just a positive feeling that things have improved.

“It’s also a good sign about the Shire’s priorities and how they’ve aligned with our local community to get a great outcome.”

James stresses the importance of the Streetscapers’ combined contributions.

Fellow members Tara Simes, Sue Cole, Juliet Beatty, Max Broadley and Mike Robinson-Koss have brought matching passion and complementary skillsets.

“To keep the energy up through the entire process, it takes commitment from all of the group members and they all bring different skills to it,” James said.

“So it’s been a team effort that’s enabled it to get this far and led to a great outcome.”

The Streetscapers are now working to see the next elements of their vision brought to life – with further priority tree planting on the horizon, and aims to add other streetscape improvements such as signage and public art.

They’re also looking forward to watching the new trees establish and grow, enabling the full benefits to be realised.

“The species that have been planted are a combination of exotics and natives, but they’ve all been specifically chosen for a variety of reasons,” James said.

“Longevity is one of them, shade is another, and one of the key things has been suitability for local indigenous wildlife.

“So the expectation is, as the trees grow, more and more birds will be accessing the trees for food sources and refuge.”

‘Branching Out’ is being planned as a six-year Council initiative, subject to future funding, that would ultimately see around 1200 new trees planted across the shire.

Future planting projects will be identified through development of an implementation strategy, which will include an opportunity for community input early in 2026.

See more information on our Branching Out webpage.