More Trees Vandalised - Collingwood Beach

26 September 2018

Shoalhaven City Council is appealing to the public for information surrounding another tree vandalism incident at Collingwood Beach Vincentia.

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

The vandalism, which took place recently, saw four mature Banksias trees have holes drilled into them and subsequently filled with chemical weed killer. Environmental Health Officers estimate the trees were multigenerational trees of more than 80 years old.

Councillor Findley said that the most recent incident was only a month ago, and expressed her disappointment with yet another incident at the site.

“This willful and senseless act of vandalism resulted in more damage to such a valuable dune vegetation site to stabilise the foreshore areas and help stop erosion,” Clr Findley said.

“Council is currently trying to restore and protect the site for the community and for future generations. If anyone has any information, please contact Council directly.

“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 and criminal penalties."

If you see trees being removed and you suspect the work is illegal you can contact Council’s Rangers Section (02) 4429 3433 for investigation.

Council in conjunction with the reference group has developed an Action Plan that is based on a two-year trial program in response to continued vandalism of the vegetation along the dunes. The trial establishes a rehabilitation site and a pruning site.