Centenary has been a year of wonderful memories. Of Canberra, its people, its fashion, its accomplishments and—importantly—its unique shops.

In the ACT we love our local shops and have been known to protect them fiercely against change we don’t like. And that’s what a group of passionate Kingston traders is busy doing. The traders are on a mission to make Green Square green once more. They want the area restored to its formal glory, including by re-planting real grass.

Green Square in days past 

Here’s the story.

Once upon a time, there was plenty of grass in Green Square. But then there was a drought and a government study. The government invested in infrastructure changes, putting in new brick and gravel paths which enhanced the area. But they also ripped out the grass and replaced it in 2010 with what the traders call ‘unsightly, spiky drought-tolerant plants and shrubs’.

Is this just a case of aesthetics? What some like and others don’t?

Definitely not say the traders. Since the shrubs have been installed, Green Square has slowly been used less and less. Gone are the happy kids running about on weekends, with mums and dads relaxing over breakfast while reading the papers. Gone are the visitors who used to frequent the square, enjoying the park-like atmosphere and spilling out onto the grass chatting and enjoying coffee (see image below from Maloney’s Real Estate).

How Green Square used to look before the introduction of drought-tolerant plants and shrubs

Gabi Radinger, who owns Radinger Jewellers with her husband Erich, has been a business owner in Kingston for 28 years. She knows from firsthand experience that the changes in Green Square have affected its personality and, just as importantly, business volume.

‘We need to breathe life back into the area for everyone’s sake,’ says Gabi. ‘We’re no longer in drought, and the shrubs are now an overgrown mess. The gardens aren’t maintained and the raised planter boxes have nothing in them. The space isn’t inviting and it can’t be used any more. Some businesses have closed as a result. Kingston needs to be revitalised.’

Around 35 Kingston Traders have banded together to ask the ACT Government to take action and replace the shrubs with grass. They say Kingston has come a long way since opening as Canberra’s first official retail district. It is the oldest and most densely populated suburb of the ACT and will remain so with the development along the Foreshore.

Restaurant owner Pawl Cubbin says the traders don’t have an issue with the structural changes that have taken place in Green Square with the new brick and gravel paths. ‘These works are attractive and add value—the Government has done a terrific job here and is to be commended for its efforts,’ says Pawl. ‘Our only issue is with making Green Square green. We want it returned to a family-friendly, beautiful looking place with true heart and soul.’

Green Square today 

The traders have written to the ACT Government several times, but to no avail. They have even offered to cover the cost of buying new grass, planting it and adding Hydra cell to the soil to help maintain water retention. ‘We would do this with the support of the professional contractor involved in the original re-planting, who has written to us to offer his support for free,’ says Gabi.

The plan is also for the traders to cover the cost of maintaining the grass (fertilising and mowing it). ‘The sprinkler system is already in place and can be used to water the area—as it now does almost every day with the existing plants—and we’re no longer in drought,’ says Gabi.

Pawl is baffled by the government’s response, which has been to suggest that it has put enough money into Green Square and has no current intention to re-plant the grass.

‘Other traffic shopping areas in Canberra, including The Lawns in Manuka, are green, without any issues. Why can’t Green Square become green once more? It doesn’t make any sense,’ Pawl says. ‘This is not a huge project requiring a huge investment, but it would make a huge difference.’

Artist’s impression of how a re-greened Green Square could look

The Kingston Traders don’t want another expensive study or another extensive (and expensive) plan. They just want a bit of green in their lives. So they weren’t impressed to hear from the government that the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate are developing a draft variation to the Territory Plan in relation to the Kingston Group Centre. Should the government proceed with this, consultation will take place before any decisions are made.

It’s too long to wait for the Kingston Traders who are now working with their local member for Molonglo, Steve Doszpot, and circulating a petition to business owners, nearby residents and visitors, to appeal for support. And they’ve started a Facebook page.

What are your thoughts on the greening of Green Square?

To sign a petition visit: Bittersweet, Durham Castle Arms, Radinger Jewellers, Creative Aura or Nina Leon’s shoe boutique. Or join the movement by liking their Facebook page.