MidCoast Council
MidCoast Council is responding to several incidents of deliberate tree vandalism across the region, with mature and semi-mature trees intentionally damaged in public spaces.
At a reserve to the rear of properties at 20–32 Goldens Road, Forster, approximately eight mature Paperbark trees and one Eucalypt were drilled and poisoned. Council officers have inspected the site, and the trees will be monitored to assess ongoing impacts.
At 1372 Upper Lansdowne Road, Upper Lansdowne, adjacent to the community hall, four mature Turpentine street trees were intentionally ringbarked using a chainsaw. This type of damage is severe and places the long-term health of the trees at significant risk. Tree vandalism signage will be installed onsite, and the trees will be monitored.
In John Wright Park, Tuncurry, one semi-mature Fig tree was drilled and poisoned at the base. Tree vandalism signage will be posted onsite, and a replacement planting will be arranged in due course.
Tree vandalism is illegal and constitutes a breach of Council's Vegetation Management Policy (VMP). Penalties for breaches of the VMP are $3,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a corporation.
Mature trees provide critical environmental, social and aesthetic benefits, including habitat for wildlife, shade, urban cooling and the enhancement of public open spaces.
MidCoast Council encourages community members to report any suspicious behavior involving trees or public land. Protecting the region's natural assets is a shared responsibility.
Anyone with information relating to these incidents is urged to contact Council.
/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.
