Forbes Shire Council to plant century of trees to mark Anzac centenary

The trees will be located within the 80km speed zone on The Escort Way along with a commemorative plaque to honour all Anzac soldiers. 

Mayor Phyllis Miller said that the trees will be an enduring reminder of the Anzac troops’ sacrifice.

“We would not be a nation without the efforts of those who went to war,” Cr Miller said. 

“We want to keep the whole memory of the Anzacs alive.”

A number of other sites were inspected as possible locations for the trees including Edward Street, Atlee Street, the Bogan Way, and Churchill Street near the cemetery.

However it was found that The Escort Way would be the most appropriate site because it met all of the plan requirements. 

The site needed to have a clearing of 600 metres to enable each tree to be planted six metres apart.

The location also needed access to water and with an existing water meter already on site at The Escort Way,  the trees will be able to be put on a drip system.

As well as the location, alternate tree species were also discussed for the centenary planting.  

The Lone Pine was first suggested as the most appropriate tree to honour the Anzacs.

However, council found the Australian War Memorial to be the only supplier of this breed in Australia and they had only limited stock that would not be available until late in the year. 

Cr Miller said the Desert Ash species was decided upon because of its reputation as a  “good, clean cut tree”.

“Councillor [Graham] Falconer is an agronomist and he suggested the Desert Ash because they are a very happy tree in the Forbes climate,” Cr Miller said.

The 100 trees will arrive next week and it is hoped they will all be planted in time for Anzac Day on April 25. 

This year marks 100 years since Anzac troops landed at Gallipoli.