FEARS have been raised that new footpaths as part of Inglewood’s $6 million streetscape project could be quickly damaged if gum trees are planted in Brooke Street.
The final draft plan by DJANDAK released for community feedback last month by Loddon Shire has yellow gum and dwarf yellow gum trees in the streetscape plant palette.
But main street business owner Denise Gartside said: “Gum trees will dig up the new footpath and hinder people exiting their vehicles.”
Her concerns have been backed up by several other Inglewood residents with Deb Coon saying: “I agree about the trees, it’s difficult enough now in some spots to let passengers out of the car and well the footpath would be another issue.”
And Debbie Musgrove said: “The trees are absolutely ridiculous. How will people get out of their cars?”
Dwarf yellow gums, known as ‘eucy dwarf, typically grow to a height of five to seven metres and can be up to four metres wide.
The streetscape draft plan has triggered community conversation since its release three weeks ago with proposals to have the Mallee fowl as the town sign signature, and multiple indigenous murals, 
However, Mrs Gartside said: “It would be nice to see the streetscape reflect the pioneers of Inglewood who worked so hard in farming and businesses, to grow a strong community.”
Plans have been online since the release with Loddon Shire and able to be viewed at its Wedderburn offices. They are expected to be displayed in Inglewood later this month.
Council this week said it would be publishing responses online to questions received as part of the community feedback phase.
The Loddon Herald understands the current background information online about the council project was prepared by DJANDAK, a business entity of Bendigo-based Djaara Corporation.