Council looking to install shades at town square as trees struggle to grow

In a statement, KTC said the trees are progressing as planned, with the exception of "one or two trees".

The council said it is looking at providing temporary shading in the interim, while they are still small.

The trees planted in the CBD are Ganophlyyum Falactum commonly known as Scaly Ash and are native to the Northern Territory.

According to KTC the trees are currently under the care of contractors.

The cost of the shade hasn't been determined yet as the plan is in its early days.

"Katherine Town Council is currently in the stage of seeking quotes regarding shade," council said.

"The shade will be placed in the CBD temporarily as they won't be needed once the trees create a shady canopy... the council can't confirm a cost as of yet, as we are currently in the quoting stage.

"The trees are growing as planned, however to give the community comfort as much as possible council has decided to implement shade."

The redevelopment of the town square on Katherine Terrace cost more than $3 million and has been marred in controversy since before its inception, with criticism being directed at the abundance of concrete and lack of trees and shade.

As part of the redevelopment fast-growing trees were planted, but it appears their growth is having mixed results.

KTC said it will provide a local business with the opportunity to install the shade but no one has been contracted as of yet.

Other talking points surrounding the town square include the removal of the clock and flood level sculpture as well as fears new lights installed as part of the revamp would be the target of vandals.

On Thursday afternoon the lights were intact and in place, with no public reports of vandalism.

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