A dangerous social media stunt is costing Lake Macquarie City Council thousands of dollars and putting the lives of those involved at risk.
Council has so far spent more than $5000 removing traffic cones precariously perched atop tall trees across the city, particularly in its eastern suburbs.
Manager City Works Barry McDaid said pranksters were scaling traffic lights, Norfolk pines and other tall tree species at night, apparently without any safety measures, to place the plastic orange cones on their crowns.
"These pranksters are becoming more daring in terms of the height of the trees they're climbing and the unsteady branches they're traversing to reach the top," he said.
"We're talking trees up to 25m in height. As they say: it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, and in this case, it could be a serious injury or even death."
There could be a lasting environmental impact, with the traffic cones stunting tree growth and having potential long-term impacts on their health.
"They're also causing damage to the branches when climbing the trees, leaving behind 'hangers' - partly broken limbs that might later detach and create a hazard for anyone below," Mr McDaid said.
"These require additional time and resources to remove, and the cones themselves present a significant danger if they fall onto someone or something below."
The risky act, also known as 'coning', has gained prominence on social media and is particularly well-known in New Zealand, where trees up to 50m in height have been scaled and 'coned'.
Anyone with information about the local coning incidents is urged to contact Council on 4921 0333 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
