Phantom poisoners are destroying native vegetation along the Illawarra coastline and nothing is being done to stop them, northern residents say.
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After sustained vandalism of trees on Lawrence Hargave Drive at Coalcliff, and at Sandon Point behind McCauley’s Beach, the Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group says Wollongong City Council is not enforcing its tree protection policies.
The council has not set up cameras to catch tree poisoners, and is still “developing a policy” on the matter.
And its “revegetation programs”, in action for numerous years, have not gone so far as to plant replacement trees yet at these sites.
NIRAG secretary Ross Dearden said the lack of firm action gave a green light to tree poisoners.
“Council has a firm tree-protection policy but they don’t enforce it,” he said. “We need the trees for shade, animal habitats and to secure the soil.”
At Sandon Point, council surveys in 2015 and 2016 have identified 94 trees that were dead, dying or in decline. But no replanting has happened, with council saying the “appropriate approvals” were still being sought. It means a vegetation management agreement negotiated over Sandon Point from December 2016 has still not been acted upon.
Council has a firm tree-protection policy but they don’t enforce it.
- Ross Dearden, NIRAG
Council’s environment strategy and planning Renee Campbell said surveillance of tree vandalism sites is “challenging” for several reasons.
“Council is investigating the use of surveillance cameras to monitor sites known for tree vandalism so there are no cameras currently in use for this purpose,” Ms Campbell said.
“We have undertaken a revegetation program at Sharkeys Beach. This program focuses on planting native species and weed removal. Replacement trees have not been installed at this site until we have other vandalism deterrent methods in place to reduce the likelihood of trees being vandalised again in the future.
“Council is unable to undertake any tree plantings within the Sandon Point site until the appropriate approvals are in place.”
Mr Dearden said at Sandon Point, areas where vegetation was meant to be kept to 1m are not being maintained. Unidentified vandals then poison native trees to clear the view.
Tree vandalism can draw a fine of up to $1.1 million.