Residents Outraged by Serial Tree Vandalism
NSW - The idyllic beauty of many of our coastal suburbs are experiencing a series of large-scale tree vandalism incidents, sparking outrage and concern among residents.
In the most recent act, nine historic Fig trees lining Balmoral's iconic beachfront were targeted in February 2024 with drilling and suspected poisoning. Thankfully, swift action by residents and the council may save these trees, some of which are believed to date back to the 1930s.
This follows a disturbing pattern. Over 100 trees were illegally chopped down on the Woodford Bay foreshore in Longueville last November 2023, and a further 265 trees were poisoned, hacked, and chainsawed in a Castlecove bushland reserve in August 2023.
Meanwhile, the Central Coast has experienced incidents of tree vandalism, such as dead and dying trees at Mazlin Reserve in 2018 and Ettalong and Copacabana in 2021.
While police handle property damage, local councils bear the responsibility and financial burden of pursuing tree vandalism. Many councils believe current fines—a maximum on-the-spot penalty of $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for businesses—are insufficient deterrents for those prioritising personal views over environmental protection.
Residents appeal to the state government for increased support in prosecuting these environmental crimes. A community e-petition is being circulated to demonstrate the public's strong backing for tougher penalties and enforcement measures.
Call to Action:
Residents are urged to sign and share the e-petition to support protecting NSW’s vital tree cover.
Image source: https://coastcommunitynews.com.au/central-coast/news/2021/01/copa-tree-vandalism/
