Trees and shrubs are being not simply stealthily trimmed but brazenly cut or poisoned along Eurobodalla's clifftops, foreshores and reserves. The vandalism is deliberate and damaging, with residents paying a hidden price for their new-found views.
Eurobodalla Council's coordinator of environmental health and compliance Noel Fuller says vandalising vegetation is not different from attacking any other public assets.
"Poisoning a tree is the same as spraying graffiti on a toilet block or smashing a park bench," Mr Fuller says.
"By removing seaside vegetation you are losing food, shelter and breeding sites for small birds and mammals, and increasing risk of weeds and erosion," Mr Fuller says.
"In fact, frequently targeted vegetation includes listed vulnerable ecosystems like coastal headland heath, which persists in the zones between homes and the ocean. Clearing for views takes away from valuable remaining examples of these ecosystems. Once they are gone, they're gone."
Penalties for illegally clearing or injuring native vegetation on public land are significant, with on-the-spot fines for breaking branches, sawing limbs or trimming for views and more serious penalties if matters proceed to court. Council will also install view screens at sites where trees have been illegally removed as a deterrent to further damage.
"View-blocking screens are left in place until vegetation is restored through natural regeneration – this can take several years," Mr Fuller says.
"It's not something we want to do, but in the absence of an identified offender it's the most effective way to deter repeat damage and protect the area. We also encourage the community to dob-in any suspected tree vandalism as it happens. Reporting in real time means we can actively protect biodiversity – a quick call can make all the difference."
