Collingwood Beach Dunes Vandalised

22 August 2018

Shoalhaven City Council is disappointed that someone has once again vandalised the dunes at Collingwood Beach.

Council adopted the Collingwood Beach Dune Vegetation Two-Year Trial Action Plan at the Development Meeting in August which includes a vegetation restoration site.

Council officers found approximately 30 mature banksia trees and saplings inside the restoration site were cut down, lopped or topped.

Council is seeking any witnesses who may have seen or heard anyone using a saw or power tool on Saturday evening, adjacent to properties 102 and 104 Elizabeth Drive, Collingwood Beach.

Despite a tree vandalism sign immediately in front of the site, people are still damaging public property when Council is trying to restore and protect the site for the community and for future generations.

See what Mayor Amanda Findley and Councillor Patricia White had to say when they visited the site, via Council's Facebook video.

Council is currently investigating this vandalism and would welcome any advice from the public. If the perpetrator is identified, they could be fined up to $3000 for each tree that has been damaged or Council may also consider taking the matter to Court. The Court can impose significant monetary penalties for such offences.

If you have any information regarding this destructive act, please contact Council Rangers on 4429 34 33 or 4421 31 00 after hours.

Council will be holding a tree planting day on Saturday, 25 August from 9 am to noon to plant selected native plant species on the site. Volunteers are welcome to join the planting. Visit the Council website www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au for more details.