Risby Street Upgrade – Project Update

Central Coast Council is progressing planning for the Risby Street Reconstruction Project in Ulverstone, which will deliver long‑term improvements to road safety, drainage, and streetscape amenity.

Heritage assessment update

As part of the Risby Street Reconstruction project, the English Elm Trees along Risby Street, Ulverstone were the subject of a formal nomination to the Tasmanian Heritage Register.

In April 2025, members of the public submitted an application to have the trees entered into the Tasmanian Heritage Register. The nomination was assessed by Heritage Tasmania on behalf of the Tasmanian Heritage Council to determine whether the trees met the criteria for state‑level heritage significance.

The heritage assessment undertaken for the nomination examined the planting history, age, integrity, rarity, and historical associations of the English Elm Trees in Risby Street.

The assessment concluded that:

• The existing trees are unlikely to be the original trees planted in the late 1940s, based on historical aerial imagery, growth characteristics, and historical records.
• While the broader decline of elm species internationally was acknowledged, the assessment found no evidence that the specific trees in Risby Street played a meaningful role in conservation of a threatened species.
• Overall, the trees did not meet the criteria required for entry in the Tasmanian Heritage Register at a state level.

These findings formed the basis of the Heritage Council’s determination

Council paused progression of the project while the heritage assessment was underway and acknowledges the community’s interest in this process.

This heritage assessment process has informed Council’s decision‑making for the Risby Street Reconstruction project and ensures heritage matters have been appropriately considered.

What this means for the project

With the heritage assessment complete, Council can now continue planning for the Risby Street Reconstruction Project.

Council’s approach to the project remains informed by:

• Community feedback received through consultation
• Independent arborist advice regarding the condition and long‑term suitability of the existing trees
• The need to address ongoing impacts to infrastructure, footpaths, and underground services
• Council’s commitment to maintaining tree canopy and streetscape amenity through appropriate replacement planting

Tree removal is always a last resort for Council and is never undertaken lightly. Any future tree works will form part of a broader plan to renew the street while improving safety and reducing ongoing infrastructure damage.

Aboriginal heritage considerations

Separate to the heritage listing process, Aboriginal heritage checks have been undertaken for the project area. These checks did not identify any registered Aboriginal heritage constraints. Council will continue to meet its obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975 should any unanticipated discoveries occur during works.

Next steps

The Risby Street Reconstruction Project remains required and is planned to proceed through Council’s standard delivery processes, including further communication with residents as the project progresses.

Council will continue to provide updates via:

• The Risby Street project page
• Direct communication with affected residents
• Council’s eNewsletter and social media channels

Thank you to residents and community members for your patience and ongoing interest in the future of Risby Street.