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Crackdown after tree vandalised
POLICE will ramp up patrols and crack down on vandalism in a “greenie” part of the southern Gold Coast after a handsaw was taken to a popular beachfront tree.
The tree at the intersection of Tugun’s Pacific Parade and Wagawn St was badly damaged late on Saturday night, with branches cut off and large chunks removed from the trunks.
The damage left residents in tears and sparked a furious reaction from civic leaders.
Area councillor Gail O’Neil registered a complaint with the Queensland police and patrols will be stepped up to prevent a repeat attack.
Cr O’Neil described the destruction as “disgusting”.
“I have spoken to the officer in charge at the Coolangatta station and there are going to be special patrols in Tugun who will be looking at this as well as other graffiti which has appeared in area recently,” she said.
“This is absolutely disgusting and I will also be speaking to the police about using mobile CCTV.
“My message to those who did this is simple. This will not get you a slap on the wrist – if you get caught, you could be prosecuted.”
A council arborist will assess the the trees to determine the extent of the damage.
Pacific Parade resident Trisha Fletcher said she was “in tears” when she saw the damage.
“Somebody has gone out of their way to cut this tree using a saw in the middle of the night,” she said.
“We’re all ‘greenies’ on this street, nobody here would have done this … we all came down on Sunday morning and people were crying.
“We all look after this place, people come down here for BBQ’s on the weekend and a lot of us used to do yoga.
“Everyone uses the tree for shade and it’s just a real shame this has happened.”
Another resident, Chris English, said the tree had weathered multiple natural disasters. “The tree was actually planted to hold the beach together,” he said.
“I’ve seen it really exposed during storms and it always hangs on. “
The pair said a number of local residents were calling on council to install a security camera and put up a sign saying “no climbing’’.