Poisoned trees anger
Pledge to find culprits of ‘senseless vandalism’
HORRIFIED neighbours are trying to find out who is responsible for poisoning 10 native trees along the Alexandra Esplanade in Bellerive.
The vandals had drilled holes deep into the tree trunks and pumped them full of poison, leading them to begin rapidly wilting.
Arborists say that some of the trees are expected to survive with a bit of pruning, but that others are too far gone and are doomed to slowly decay.
The damage is estimated to be worth $185,257.
The poisoning was discov ered by Jean Gray from the Howrah-Bellerive Coastcare Group, a small team of local volunteers who look after trees in the area.
Ms Gray said the 70-yearold trees were a crucial part of the ecosystem, preventing the shoreline from eroding, while providing a habitat for native animals.
“The devastation of losing these trees means the whole ecosystem is out of balance. The ecosystem is reliant on the trees, the shrubs, and the grasses,” she said.
“Bandicoots are common around here and we love them. And birds as well, they make their habitat in the tree trunks and foliage, so they’re going to be devastated as well.”
Ms Gray is one of seven locals who plant trees up and down the coastline to protect the coast from erosion.
However, she said this was not the first time their work had been undone by eco-vandals, who occasionally light fires along the beachside.
Clarence City Council Mayor Doug Chipman said that he was furious at the senseless act of vandalism and keen to see the perpetrators brought to justice.
Mr Chipman said that they suspected the culprit might be one of the neighbours who wanted an unobstructed view of the beach.
“I’m quite angry that this beautiful little patch of native bushland at the back of Bellerive Beach has been vandalised so savagely,” he said.
“We want to see justice done,” Mr Chipman said. “We’ve reported it to the police for an investigation … I suspect (the perpetrators) wanted to improve their view, but I don’t know for sure. That’s a matter for the investigators.”
Council will be pruning the tree limbs, some of which have already turned black and have started to droop.
They will also put up signs informing residents of what has happened and asking anyone with information to come forward. Council has written a draft tree policy that includes extra security for vandalism against trees and plants.