Council responds to vegetation vandalism at Shoal Point

Published: 27 May 2020

Nine large trees on the esplanade at Shoal Point have been cut down with a chainsaw.

The trees were mature in age, with some reaching up to 20 metres in height.

Development Services director Aletta Nugent said it was disappointing that someone would intentionally harm the environment.

“These trees provide important habitat for native fauna and protect residential properties from erosion,” she said.

“We believe these trees have been targeted due to their location along an unregulated access track on the esplanade.

“Council will be replanting three trees for every one tree that was damaged in this area, so there will be 27 trees replanted altogether.

“This is in addition to installing a 600mm by 900mm sign on the track to block vehicle access.

“Council will continue to monitor the area to inspect for any future damage to the trees.”

There are fines in place for those caught damaging the local environment. These range from $667 up to $6672.

To report an act of vegetation vandalism, or if you have information that may assist in the investigation of damage to vegetation, contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).