In a proactive step to restore the local environment, Port Stephens Council has taken the initiative to replenish trees vandalised along the Shoal Bay foreshore.
Mayor Leah Anderson said the regeneration effort is in response to damage caused to the trees earlier this year.
"We take any act of vandalism very seriously. The damage to public trees along the Shoal Bay foreshore in March this year was disappointing and frustrating to see," Mayor Anderson said.
"Tree vandalism is such a selfish act that has lasting impacts on the wider community, our public spaces and most importantly the local environment," Mayor Anderson added.
Council originally planted 11 trees at the site as part of the Shoal Bay foreshore upgrade in 2021. Since then, the number of trees along the foreshore has gradually reduced due to ongoing acts of vandalism.
Director Facilities and Infrastructure Greg Kable said Council was notified of the recent significant damage to the 3 remaining trees along the foreshore in March.
"The trees had been cut at their trunks, and their branches had been snapped. What's really disappointing is that these trees that were vandalised had been recently planted to replace previously poisoned trees," Mr Kable said.
"We have also installed surveillance cameras for the foreshore, with the aim to reduce the likelihood of ongoing malicious damage to the trees," Mr Kable added.
To replenish the damaged trees, Council has planted 5 Cook Pines in strategic locations along the foreshore to help minimise impacts to neighbouring water views while also enhancing the visual character of the area.
Mayor Anderson was joined by Council staff for the tree planting on Tuesday 22 July.
"It's great to see Councillors and Council staff working together in this regeneration effort," Mayor Anderson said.
"I urge the community to please respect our natural environment by not vandalising our public spaces. Every act of vandalism undoes the hard work of council staff and community volunteer groups like Landcare.
"I ask that we all take pride in protecting the natural environment around us," Mayor Anderson concluded.
Vandalising public or private trees is an offence, and all reports of tree vandalism to Port Stephens Council will be investigated. Individuals who've been found to vandalise trees can be fined up to $3,000 through a Council issued infringement notice or taken to court for further prosecution.
