Herbicide used to kill foreshore plants in serial act of vandalism

This time, 10 plants, ranging from previously replanted vegetation to mature she-oaks, have been killed, with clear evidence that granular herbicide was used.

Mayor Greg Williamson said serial vandalism of this nature was extremely disappointing and council would be acting in accordance with its Vegetation Vandalism Policy.

“Council’s environmental ranger has investigated the site and conducted soil testing near the old boat ramp in front of 25 MacCarthy Street,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Two soil samples taken at the site, in 2022 and 2020, both tested positive for the same type of herbicide,” he said.

“Vegetation vandalism has occurred at this site in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022,” he said.

“This is the sixth occurrence and is an extremely significant act of tree and vegetation vandalism, so council will be bringing the full weight of the policy to bear.

“We will be rebadging the current 1.8m x 3.6m billboard sign with a new design that states ‘These trees have been deliberately damaged by a selfish act of vandalism’ and that sign will remain in place for five years.

“We will also be placing a second billboard at the site and, once soil tests come back safe from the herbicide, we will be replanting three plants for every one vandalised.

“This vandal is not just damaging our natural environment; this incident alone is costing rate payers almost $6500.”

Mayor Williamson said that there was not enough evidence available to prove the identity of the person responsible for this act of vegetation vandalism.

“If anyone has any information or evidence on who may be behind these repeat acts of selfish vandalism, please contact council,” he said.