Redland City Council is investigating the unauthorised removal of a six-metre tree at a popular Minjerribah beach access, amid renewed concerns about vegetation vandalism across the region.
The mature Ficus tree was cut down at its base in a council reserve near the Frenchman’s Beach steps at Point Lookout, with the incident believed to have occurred overnight on Wednesday, January 28.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the deliberate destruction of vegetation in public reserves damaged the natural environment and put local wildlife at risk.
“Often removing mature trees has the opposite effect that vandals may have been looking for, with weedy understorey plants coming through thicker and creating a messy presentation,” Cr Talty said.
“Council is currently investigating the unauthorised removal of a six-metre Ficus tree from the Council reserve near the Frenchman’s Beach steps at Point Lookout.
“The tree was cut down at its base, with the incident likely to have taken place overnight on Wednesday 28 January.
“Unfortunately, several areas of Redlands Coast have recently been impacted by tree vandalism.
“This includes reserves near Cylinder Beach and Home Beach on Minjerribah, as well as part of the foreshore at Redland Bay, resulting in the loss of dozens of trees.”
Council said penalties for deliberately damaging trees or vegetation on council land can include fines and, in serious cases, prosecution through the Magistrates Court.
Cr Talty urged residents to report suspected vandalism as soon as possible.
“People can assist by reporting tree vandalism incidents to Council on 3829 8999,” she said.
“Damage may not be immediately visible, particularly if a tree has been poisoned, so please watch for signs such as browning leaves or drill holes around a tree’s base or roots.
“It should be noted that most people in the community do the right thing when it comes to our environment – only a very small percentage of our community vandalises vegetation.”
Cr Talty said council responded to incidents by installing signage and surveillance to discourage further damage.
“The quicker we receive a report of vandalism, the quicker Council officers can respond,” she said.
“Tree vandalism not only harms the environment but can also create public safety risks in cases where poisoning or cutting weakens a tree’s structure.
“On steep inclines, the risk of erosion and landslip increases as a result.
“It can also result in additional costs if an area is required to be revegetated or rehabilitated, which is often the case where large scale damage has occurred.
“By reporting tree vandalism, you can help keep our community safe as well as protect our natural environment.”
