King George V Avenue of Memorial English Oaks

Item details


Name of item:	King George V Avenue of Memorial English Oaks
Other name/s:	Lower Nemingha Road
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Parks, Gardens and Trees
Category:	Tree groups - avenue of
Location:	Lat: -31.10761413 Long: 150.94439643
Primary address:	King George V Memorial Avenue, Tamworth, NSW 2340
Parish:	Tamworth
County:	Inglis
Local govt. area:	Tamworth Regional
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Tamworth

Boundary:

The English Oak avenue commences just south east of the single lane Paradise Bridge over the Peel River and runs in a south easterly direction for 1.5 kms) before turning north east to run a further 0.5kms towards the Peel River. The boundary coincides with the boundary of the road reserve and contains the roadway and the trees.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
King George V Memorial Avenue	Tamworth	Tamworth Regional	Tamworth	Inglis	Primary Address

Statement of significance:


	The Avenue is of state heritage significance for its aesthetic values as the carefully planned planting has allowed the distinctive growth habit of oak trees to form a cathedral or tunnel like effect as the branches have grown and interlocked over the roadway, making the avenue aesthetically distinctive. It is also one of the longest avenues in NSW being 2 kilometres long. Being the only avenue of oak trees planted in NSW, the avenue is aesthetically distinctive and has unique landmark qualities. The King George V Memorial Avenue of English Oaks of State heittage significance for its rarity values as the only Avenue of Oaks in NSW. It is the only avenue of oaks dedicated as a living memorial to King George V from the last era where avenues of trees were used to mark historic events and people. It is a rare example of a substantially intact avenue of oaks still surviving in NSW and possibly in Australia. Its rarity values are enhanced as the avenue is one of only two memorial avenues to King George V in NSW, the other being an avenue of poplars in Braidwood which does not have the same aesthetic qualities as the avenue of oak trees. The item is of state heritage significance as a good representative example of a memorial avenue where this type of planting was enthusiastically embraced by Australian communities for commemorative plantings.
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Tamworth Council and Community
Builder/Maker:	Tamworth Progress Association, Tamworh Rotary, Tamworth Community and Council
Construction years:	1936-1936
Physical description:	The surrounding land consists of flat alluvial flood plan used for a variety of agricultural purposes, including grain crops, lucerne and livestock grazing. Some of these fields are irrigated using water drawn from the adjacent Peel River. A small number of farm houses are located along the roadway (Conybeare Morrison, 2016, 9). Avenue: The original planting in 1936 comprised 318 trees which were planted along the Lower Nemingha Road (renamed King George V Memorial Avenue) King George V Avenue is divided into two sections - the main section runs for 1.5kms from the south east end of the main street (Peel Street) heading in a south easterly direction. This section comprises 200 trees of which 140 are of the original planting as well as 60 replacement trees of varying ages. There are 99 trees on the western side and 101 on the eastern side. These trees form a nearly continuous cathedral-like canopy for 1.5 kms as per the original concept ) for the planting.(ref: NDL Feb 29th 1936 Secondary Avenue: After 1.5kms the avenue takes a 90 degree turn to the north- east and runs for 0.5km in a straight line to the Peel River, where the road used to cross via the Two Mile Bridge onto the Upper Nemingha Road (now the New England Highway). The bridge was closed to vehicles sometime between 1936 and when it was washed away in the 1955 floods). Since that time this section of the road has been closed off and used to graze stock. This section of the avenue still has 41 of the original 70 trees. No replanting of the trees in this section has been undertaken. The trees are planted 44 feet apart (13.4m) with a gap of 36 feet (10.9m) for the roadway. The trees are planted 1m off the road. The growth of the English Oak is such that the foliage has interlaced overhead forming an arch as per the original intent of the avenu.. The avenue then used to extend 100m from Two Mile bridge to the Upper Nemingha Road until recently when the trees were removed in 2012 to make way for a carpark and entrance to a church.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The condition of the avenue ranges from excellent to fair depending on the tree. As a whole the avenue is in good condition despite the poor care and management practices to date. In 2009 the Australian Tree Consultants (ATC) were commissioned to assess the first half of the longer section of the avenue and found by them to be in varying conditions of health (ref Taylor 2010). In their opinion the trees examined ranged in condition from excellent to over-mature. They also found that the main reason for the relatively recent reduction in the health of the trees has been due to the inappropriate tree lopping practices by energy companies. These lopping practices are still being carried out and despite assurances in writing, that the trees would only be pruned in winter to minimise the damage, once again Essential Energy tree crews were pruning the avenue in the recent spring (images 8 and 11) - this is despite their own vegetation mangement plan which states in section 7.1 "Significant, special character, protected, memorial and heritage trees may require more frequent trims to minimise impact or the consideration of alternative solutions as detailed in the section of this plan called Alternatives to Pruning (ref :- Essential Energy - Operational Procedure - Vegetation Management Plan CEOP8008 10th December 2012). Australian Tree Consultants reported that an ongoing program of care and replacement would ensure the avenue could be maintained in good condition for many years to come (Taylor 2010). Port Arthur has historic oak trees that are estimated to be 150 years old and despite health issues caused by soil compaction (from tourist access) - they were assessed to have at least another 50+ years left if cared for appropriately (ref:- "Saving Port Arthur's oak trees" - http://www.portarthur.org.au/index.aspx?sys=Archived%20News%20Article&intID=1850). The second and shorter section of the avenue has 40 of the 70 original trees still in existance. These trees were grazed on by stock until steel barriers were installed some years ago. Since that time the trees have partially recovered with some magnificent specimens. They also do not have the regular poor pruning practices carried out by the power companies contributing to their damage (image 14). 6-9/10/2015 (inspection by Andrew Morton of Earthscape Horticultural Services): Sections are succumbing to significant decline in health, evidenced by: - a no. of completely dead trees; - substantial crown dieback; - production of epicormic growth; - substantial pest infestation which has led to branch failures and in the worst cases, collapse of all major primary limbs. There is also evidence that trees have been declining for some years, indicated by a large no. of gaps inthe original avenue (particularly in the section of unformed road running perpendicular to the main avenue) and a number of recent plantings undertaken to fill the gaps left by trees that have been removed (Conybeare Morrison, 2016, 19).
	Date condition updated:22 Apr 13
Modifications and dates:	1936 - Planning and subsequent planting of the avenue by the community of Tamworth. Early 1950s to present day- Paradise tourist park opened at the end of the avenue. 1000's of visitors each year enjoy the shade and amenity of the avenue. 1955 - Loss of the Two Mile bridge at the other end of the avenue which stopped the road being used as a detour tourist route into town. 1955 - major floods leaving masses of debris along the avenue 1960 - 70s - installation of high voltage power lines along both sidea of the avenue 1970s - present day - damaging tree lopping practices by the energy companies 1988 - Tamworth Heritage study by Falk Consultants Pty Ltd found that the avenue is also an important memorial for WW1 1992 - Tamworth City Council (TCC) responded to community concerns about loss of trees in town by calling for submissions for trees to be added to a significant tree register citing King George V Avenue as the example of trees to be registered (NDL 1992) 1993 - TCC significant tree register (STR) published. The normal practice from here is for the trees to be placed on the LEP as heritage items. This has not been done to date. Mid 2000- major upgrade to high voltage powerline along the eastern side of the avenue with the resultant ongoing reduction of the canopy by pruning. 2009 - metal barriers erected to protect the 40 remaining trees on the shorter section of the avenue. This was done before this section was allowed to be closed off and used to graze stock by the two adjacent farms. The road has been kept as a designated public road to allow visitors to access the trees. 2010 - submission of a DA to use King George V Avenue as the major access road to a planned residential subdivision with a traffic flow predicted in excess of 3000 cars per day. The arborist report with the DA stated that the avenue would not sustain constant use as a major traffic route. 2011 (June) - submission to council for an upgrade to the power lines that run both sides of the avenue to enable power to be sold to developers 2011 (November) - submission to trench a waste water pipeline beside the avenue for its entire length without the appropiate arborist reports showing compliance with the Australian Standard for the Protection of Trees in development zones AS4970 2009. This pipeline DA was considered by the Joint Regional Planning Panel in December 2012 and decision deferred pending a complete and appropriate arborist report. 2012 - the last remaining oak trees from the other side of where the Two Mile bridge used to be up to the New England Highway were removed to make way for a carpark and entrance to a church. 2012 (August) - TreeAH (Barrell Tree Consultancy) was used as a tool to evaluate the heritage significance of the avenue. This was presented at the International Society of Arborists annual conference in Portland by Mark Wadey from Barrell Tree Consultancy (ref:- TreeAH: a new method of assessing trees for heritage designation - Mark Wadey 2012) 2012 (September) - extensive tree pruning by Essential Energy contractors in spring despite a letter from the company stating they will only do these damaging practices in winter when the trees are dormant . 2012 (November) - DA for stage 1 of the Peel River Estate approved by Tamworth Regional Council for the first 104 lots. Second DA up for public exhibition (closing date 7/1/13) for the next 46 lots. Once 150 lots are approved the Peel River Estate must decide on a second access road to the planned development of 500 lots. To date the traffic plans submitted with the DA's are to use King George V Avenue as the major access to the development. The road in its current form does not comply with AMCORD regulations for road safety and its use as an access will necessitate road widening with the removal of 100+ trees. (ref: RTA Tree Management report http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadprojects/projects/south_eastern_region/kings_hwy/braidwood/project_documents.html). At various dates the community have replanted trees as evidenced by the differing ages of the replacements and there is a regular watering program of the younger trees carried out by the community during dry periods. Adjacent lucerne farmers allow irrigation water to go over the fence to water the avenue. Major floods have occurred approximately every 3 - 5 years apart from years when there are long and severe droughts. The oak trees have survived many floods and numerous droughts since their planting and the major cause of their ill health and loss over the years has been the poor pruning practices by the energy companies. They now face an even greater threat from the proposed access road and pipeline.
Further information:	The integrity is good to excellent. At the first public meeting about the avenue (as reported in the Northern Daily Leader) on the 28th February 1936 the townspeople and the Town Beautification and Progress Association agreed that a memorial avenue of English oak treesshpould be planted in honor of King George V. It was also decided that for an avenue to be effective the trees should be planted close to the roadway. The Lower Nemingha Road (later renamed to King George V Avenue) was selected because the trees could be planted close enough to the road so that when they reached maturity they would join overhead to form a cathedral-like canopy The avenue has formed this desired canopy and it is still nearly continuous along the 2.0 kms. The 1936 meeting also decided that the town to create a scenic drive close to town to which visitors could be taken. The "Round Drive" still exists but the final 0.5km section is no longer driveable due to the loss of the Two Mile bridge back over the river in the 1955 floods with this portion of the road subsequently being closed to traffic. Changes since 1936 have been:- 1. The installation in the 1960-70's of substantial high voltage power lines along the both sides of the avenue. This has necessitated the subsequent extensive and damaging lopping by the energy companies. 2. The use of the avenue by the occasional high vehicle has also resulted in damage to the canopy.


Current use:	Memorial avenue, local access road and one section is used for grazing, recreation (walking, horse riding etc)
Former use:	Aboriginal land, main highway into town, farmland, transport

History

Historical notes:

The history of the avenue was found amongst various newspaper articles on microfiche (dating from 1936) and historical publications held at the Tamworth Regional library. Further articles were supplied from members of the public.

On February 29th 1936, at the request of the townspeople, the Mayor of Tamworth convened the first public meeting to decide on a memorial to King George V. The idea to establish a living memorial to the late king by planting an avenue of English oak trees was discussed and a memorial avenue was thought to be a fitting tribute to the much loved king as he had been a lover of trees. It was also thought that the avenue should be of English oaks which, even though they are slow growing, they live to a great age, were beautiful trees and also symbolic of the link to England. Oak trees were also used as a symbol of honour for the English monarchy.

Originally it was planned for the avenue to run from town along the Upper Nemingha Road (now the New England Highway), across the Two Mile Bridge over the Peel River, back along the Lower Nemingha Road (now King George V Memorial Avenue) and into town over the river via the Paradise Bridge.

It was estimated that 318 trees would be required and the cost was going to be 300 pounds. This was felt to be an amount that was well within the means of the community of Tamworth. The population of Tamworth in 1936 was 11,000 and the committee felt that the cost of 15 shillings per tree was small and that perhaps school children and other organisations in town would desire to be represented. School children were seen to be important to be involved for it was they who would take up the task of caring for the avenue in the future.

The location of the avenue was selected for a number of reasons. Firstly the Lower Nemingha Road was chosen as it was not a Main Roads Department road. This meant the trees could be planted close enough together to form an effective avenue. At that time NSW Main Roads required all roadside trees to be planted at least a chain distant from the road on each side and the effect of this on an avenue would be disheartening. It was also noted that as the Lower Nemingha Road was on a flood plain with the excellent soils and regular flooding it would be a place where English oaks would grow well. The committee decided that the trees would be planted at a distance of 44ft (13.5m) apart with a gap of 36 ft (10.9m) for the roadway and at these distances it was expected that the foliage would interlace overhead forming a cathedral like arch.

By April 1936 - 99 trees had been promised by Tamworth residents, businesses and community groups including the CWA, RSL and Light Horse Brigade. Around this time the Main Roads Department of NSW announced that they were currently surveying all main roads from Sydney to Wallangarra with the intention of planting trees along the main access roads into towns. This changed the decision to plant the oaks on the main northern entrance road into town and the committee decided instead that signposts were to be erected on the highway so tourists could take a scenic detour into town via the avenue. This detour was called the 'Round Drive' and the lower Nemingha Road was renamed King George V Memorial Avenue.

By June 25th 1936 - there were only 15 trees left to source and then the work on the avenue would start immediately. It was announced at that meeting that the opening and dedication of the avenue would occur during the Tamworth's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in October 1936. Tamworth City Council donated the remaining 15 trees.

In the 1950's the Paradise Tourist Park was built by Tamworth City Council at the end of the avenue and King George V Memorial Avenue has been used ever since as a recreational amenity by thousands of townsfolk and visitors each year.

The devastating 1955 floods washed away the Two Mile Bridge which has never been replaced. The community of Tamworth turned out to clean up the debris from the avenue as part of the post flood clean up. Since then the only access to the avenue has been via the Paradise Bridge (next to the Paradise Tourist Park) close to town. This meant that King George V Avenue became more important as a quiet place to be visited and the avenue has become one of the main wedding and school formal photographic sites in town as well as being a quiet place for workers to have their lunch under the trees.

In 1988 Tamworth City Council and the Department of Environment and Planning contracted Jonathan Falk Planning Consultants Pty Ltd to conduct a heritage study of Tamworth. Their report states that the avenue was also an important memorial to servicemen killed in World War 1. In 1936 the Leader reported that the RSL and the Light Horse Brigade donated monies to purchase some of the trees for the avenue.

In 1992 after years of public pressure Tamworth City Council agreed to establish an official register of significant trees. The Council called on members of the public to advise on which trees they believed should be protected and the reasons why. After much community consultation EJE Landscape Consultants from Sydney produced the Register of Significant Trees for Tamworth City Council in1993 which included the King George V Memorial Avenue of English Oaks.

In March 2004 Tamworth City Council proposed to remove the trees on the avenue due to ongoing decay of the trees and the forward planning for an access road to future subdivisions at Calala. The plan was to remove the trees and replant with 5 - 10m high English oaks at a cost of $350 - $2500 each. This caused huge public outcry and a petition of 3000 signatures was quickly collected resulting in no further action being taken. http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/1103251/historic-oaks-inline-for-the-chop/

In August 2010 a Development application was lodged with TRC to use King George V Avenue as the access route for a major subdivision of 500+ lots. This proposal spurred an ongoing campaign by the community and its visitors to save this much loved and historic avenue. Due to the age of the trees and the narrow distance between the trees any increase in traffic flow would mean eventual road widening and loss of the trees as well as the loss of the peace and tranquility afforded by the trees and quiet location.

In November 2011 another DA was lodged with council to trench through the root protection zone of the trees in order to place a wastewater pipeline. The decision whether to approve this pipeline was deferred in December 2012 pending a comprehensive arborist report as the initial report submitted with the DA did not comply with the Australian Standard AS4709 2009 Protection of Trees in Development zones. The DA was subsequently withdrawn.

In 2011 a valuation, commissioned by the community, by Thyer Amenity Tree Valuation Services valued the avenue to be worth millions of dollars to the community for its amenity, aesthetics and historic value. Its aesthetic values is evidenced by its prolific uyse as a backdrop for commercial and personal photography and its ammenity values lie in its use for personal and club fitness activities.Over the years this avenue has become one of the most beautiful tourist attractions Tamworth has to offer.

In February 2013 the National Trust listed the avenue as one of State significance as a rare example of an avenue of English Oaks in NSW and the only one carefully planted to grow and produce an interlocking cathedral like effect from the branches joining overhead. It is of historical significance as it was planted as a memorial to King George V in 1936 from the last of the eras when English Oaks were used for street tree plantings and commemorative plantings.

From the first decision to plant the avenue to their care and now the current campaign to save the trees King George V Memorial Avenue has been an important part of Tamworth's history for 77 years. It represents a time in history after the Boer War and World War 1 when avenues of honour were popular with communities. After WW1 the interest in living memorials waned. It is also a representative of the last era when English Oak trees were commonly used for road side plantings, their use declining due to the difficulty in selecting areas where they would grow successfully.

In March 2014 the avenue was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

By 2018 Tamworth Regional Council has replanted a number of gaps in the avenue with new oak trees and has negotiated the removal of stock (horses) from the 'annexe' (L-shaped side-wing) of the avenue, in an endeavour to improve the poor condition of trees in that stretch (Steve Warden, pers.comm., 5/11/2018).

in 2019-2020 Tamworth Regional Council undertook works on the Paradise Pumping Station, alongside one end of the King George V Memorial Oak Avenue, to remediate asbestos in the above-ground structure and create a public meeting space at the beginning of the avenue. Built in 1915, it was one of Tamworth's first community water supplies. The site has the potential to become a gateway to the King George V Avenue after Tamworth Regional Councillors decided (19/2/2019) to rehabilitate it, creating a space for daytime recreation including a pergola, park benches and landscaping. They decided to fund it from the Water Reserve and approach the NSW Government seeking an exemption to the requirement to fill in existing wells, such that they are 'capped and make safe for possible use in the future'. Acting Mayor, Phil Betts, said Council considered a number of options for the site following an extensive assessment process.
Cr Betts said while the Paradise Pumping Station is not, and never has been, part of an emergency water supply arrangement for Tamworth, the locally significant heritage structure was an important consideration in the decision.
The assessment included a Heritage Assessment, due to the building's local heritage significance as part of the original development of Tamworth's water supply (https://www.councilnews.com.au/2019/02/4237474-rehabilitation-for-paradise-pumping-station-site). Studio Two designed the concept for the new public space structure (https://www.studiotwoarchitecture.com.au/paradise-pumphouse?pgid=jnv1ihc1-1b3a35a8-4e32-4c8f-979c-53b78ef1fae4).

The King George V Avenue Working Group had previously approached Council regarding creating an area on the opposite side of the road to the Pumping Station to potentially host the Paradise Market Garden and similar activities.
Council will complete further community consultation to assist the planning process prior to commencement of the project.

In 2021 deliberate vandalism of the avenue occurred - the area has been targeted five times, but last friday's attack was the worst so far. Three oak trees have been damaged - each was four years old - after a car drove over them and their protective tree cages on friday night. Tamworth Regional Council staff were inspecting the site and working to identify those responsible for the damage (Messenger, 2021).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant Places How are significant places marked in the landscape by, or for, different groups-Monuments and Sites
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Creating environments evocative of the 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of scenic beauty-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes demonstrating styles in landscape design-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant tree(s) providing rural amenity or character-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Road-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Townships-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Role of transport in settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Beautifying towns and villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing private towns-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	20th Century infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Shaping inland settlements-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Performing important ceremonies and rituals-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscape of Remembrance-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing landscapes in an exemplary style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing to evoke nationalistic feelings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - 20th century interwar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Horse riding-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community volunteering-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with King George V-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The avenue is of local heritage significance as a memorial planting planned and organised by Tamworth Council and community as an expression of their appreciation of the benevolent rule of the British monarch King George V after his death in January 1936. The avenue planting project, actively supported by Rotary,and the Tamworth Beautification and Progress Association, is also of local historic significnace as the first community project by any service clubs in Tamworth
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The historic significance of the King George V Memorial Avenue of English Oaks is enhanced through its association with the local community ind its expression of admiration and respoct for King George V after his death in 1936. It is also locally important through its association with the local service cl;ubs as thier first community project.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Avenue is of aesthetic significance at a State level as the carefully planned planting has allowed the distinctive growth habit of oak trees to form a cathedral or tunnel like effect as the branches have grown and interlocked over the roadway, making the avenue aesthetically distinctive. It is also one of the longest avenues in NSW being 1.5 kilometres long. Being the only avenue of oak trees planted in NSW, the avuenue is aesthetically distinctive and has unique landmark qualities.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The King George V Avenue of Memorial English Oaks is of local heritage significnace for its association with the Tamworth community the forebears od which designed and planted to a loved king. The public ammenity of the avenue and its recreational values are important to the community and contribute to the sense of place in Tamworth.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The King George V Memorial Avenue of English Oaks is of State heirtage significnace as the only Avenue of Oaks in NSW and the only avenue of oaks dedicated as a living memorial to King George V from the last era where avenues of trees were used to mark historic events and people. It is a rare example of a substantially intact avenue of oaks still surviving in NSW and possibly in Australia. This avenue is one of only two memorial avenues to King George V in NSW, the other being an avenue of poplars in Braidwood which does not have the same aesthetic qualities as the avenue of oak trees.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The item is of state heritage significance as a good representative example of a memorial avenue where this type of planting was enthusiastically embraced by Australian communities for commemorative plantings.
Integrity/Intactness:	The integrity of the avenue is good
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

The following conservation principles shall apply to remedial and management strategies and measures to maintain and conserve the physical and aesthetic characteristics of the tree-lined avenue. These principles are: - Maximum retention of cultural and landscape significance of King George V Avenue of Memorial English Oaks. - Maintain physical and visual curtilages in regard to the significance of the trees and the Avenue. - Undertake continual remedial and tree maintenance measures to ensure optimum health and longevity of the trees. - Remove physical constraints, such as overhead power lines sited in close proximity to the trees. - Use of professional advice for pruning, remediation and conservation of the trees. - Retain evidence of original fabric (original tree species) and original functional relationships of an avenue of trees with an aesthetic tunnel effect of interlocking canopy of foliage. - Ensure future development of surrounding areas has due regard to the landscape heritage significance of the place and its setting. - Consider the impacts to the trees as a result of future change to and intensity of adjoining land uses. - Accommodate change, whilst ensuring that the landscape significance of the trees and aesthetic significance of the overall avenues are retained (Conybeare Morrison - Context Landscape Design - Earthscape Horticultural Services, 2016, 45). This Management Plan adopts a strategic and holistic approach to management of the Avenue and its trees. The Plan promotes the retention of the existing avenue English Oaks, and the implementation and maintenance of replacement English Oaks (ibid, 2016, 48).

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT SITE SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL King George V Memorial Avenue of English Oaks, Tamworth SHR No. 1922 I, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales, in pursuance of section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, do, by this my order, grant an exemption from section 57(1) of that Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule “C” by the [owner, mortgagee or lessee of the land] described in Schedule “B” on the item described in Schedule “A”. The Hon Robyn Parker, MP. Minister for Heritage Sydney, 11 Day of November 2013 SCHEDULE “A” The item known as the King George V Memorial Avenue of English Oaks, situated on the land described in Schedule “B”. SCHEDULE “B” The land that coincides with the Council boundary for the roadway for King George V Avenue: extends to the private property boundaries adjacent to both sides of the road reserve and runs the 1.5kilometre length of the avenue to where the road turns 90 degrees to the north east and continues as an unconstructed road reserve for a further .5 kilometres to the Peel River. This is shown on the plan catalogued HC2546 in the office of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. SCHEDULE “C” 1. All Standard Exemptions 2. Activities and works associated with the suppression of fire which do not involve the removal or damage of oak trees in the avenue. 3. Activities associated with the assessment of the oak trees condition, pest control and/or tree surgery where considered necessary for the health of a tree where surgery or pruning does not exceed 30% of the canopy over a period of 2 years. 4. Works and activities associated with the removal and replanting (with the same species in the original alignment) or pruning of trees in the avenue considered to be a danger to staff and the public where the risk assessment process is documented and submitted to the Heritage Division either before the event or after the event in a timely manner. 6. Works and activities associated with the repair of damage caused by erosion and implementation of erosion control measures where is it demonstrated that these do not materially impact on the heritage values and health of the trees. 7. Works and activities associated with the maintenance and repair work within the avenue, including maintenance repair and resurfacing of existing roads and lawn mowing and pruning where it is demonstrated that this does not materially impact on the heritage values and health of the trees. 8. Works and activities associated with the maintenance and repair of services, public utilities and upgrades of services and public utilities including communications, gas, electricity, water supplies, waste disposal, sewerage, irrigation and drainage where it is demonstrated that these activities do not materially impact on the heritage values and health of the avenue as a whole or the area in which they are undertaken. 9. Works and activities associated with the installation, maintenance and removal of waste bins and other public amenities where these do not materially impact on the heritage values or health of the avenue. 10. Works and activities associated with the installation, removal and alteration of interpretive, information, and directional signage and labels in accordance with a management plan currently endorsed by the Heritage Council. 11. All activities associated with the ongoing use of the land for domestic, pastoral and agricultural purposes, excluding works that may materially affect the heritage significance of the item.	Mar 12 2014
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	CMP submitted for reference (February 2016).		Oct 4 2016
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, the Hon James Griffin MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage, pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective at the time of publication in the New South Wales Government Gazette: 1. revoke the order made on 9 November 2020 and published in the Government Gazette Number 318 of 13 November 2020; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. The Hon James Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage Signed this 2nd day of June 2022. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Jun 17 2022

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01922	12 Mar 14	26	396 & 397
Potential Heritage Item	Tamworth LEP 2010 amendmt.(pending CMP finalisatio		05 May 17
Heritage study	Tamworth Register of Significant Trees (est.1992)
National Trust of Australia register	NTA (NSW) Country Register item		01 Feb 13

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Australian Capital Territory		Our Heritage at Risk
Written	Australian Tree Consultants	2014	Tree Assessment and Report
Written	Context Landscape Design		Landscape Assessment Report - King George V Avenue, Tamworth
Written	Conybeare Morrison International P/L (with Context Landscape Design & Earthscape Horticultural Services).	2016	King George V Avenue of Memorial English Oaks - Conservation Management Plan
Written	Duncan Marshall, Dr Robert Boden, Alan Mann		York Park North Oak Plantation Barton ACT- Heritage Management Plan
Written	Earthscape Horticultural Services	2015	Arboricultural Assessment Report - King George V Avenue, East Tamworth
Written	Messenger, Andrew	2021	Heritage-listed King George Avenue V trees wrecked in 'devastating' car attack	View detail
Written	Northern Daily Leader		King George Avenue at Tamworth Proposal
Written	Northern Daily Leader		Memorial Avenue of Trees-Tamworth Proposal
Written	Port Arthur Historic Sites		Saving Port Arthur's Oak Trees
Written	Richard Aitken and Michael Looker eds	2002	'Avenues' entry, in The Oxford Companion to Australian Gardens
Written	Tamworth City News		Resident Anger Over Threatened Trees
Written	Tamworth Regional Council	2011	Business Paper OGM
Written	Tamworth Regional Council		Significant Tree Register
Written	Tamworth Regional Council (Roads & Drainage Landscaping Section: Glen Hargrave)	2003	Tree Survey Report (of 12 oak trees in the avenue)

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5061825
File number:	EF11/12586; EF14/5707

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