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Ekka · 23rd March 2008, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Freeman

those people need our assistance and support to do a better job in their role in our communities.

Here was another one a while back, wonder what happened? Certainly not on.

Source: Im no tree poisoner! | thedaily.com.au

Quote:

Im no tree poisoner!

8:00a.m. 18 March 2006

By KATHY SUNDSTROM A SHAME screen erected by Caloundra Council to embarrass poisoners of a 20-year-old cotton tree has sparked a legal fracas, with a restaurant owner claiming its harming trade.

The three-metre high and 9.9-metre-wide screen of black shade cloth has been placed on the Esplanade in front of the Wung Nam Thai restaurant, partially blocking its view of the Pumicestone Passage.

But for restaurant owner Nadau Stott, the greatest harm is that customers now believe she may have poisoned the tree.

Neighbouring shops have heard customers say they will no longer go to the restaurant as I am a tree poisoner, Mrs Stott said.

It has harmed my trade and my staff dont understand when I have to tell them I cant keep them on as business is too slow.

Mrs Stott has employed solicitor Kyle Kimbal, partner of Sajen Legal, to fight the battle with city hall for her as she is a Thai-born widow who battles to speak English.

She can understand English, but not well enough to fight with council, Mr Kimball said.

Caloundra Council is refusing to budge and said the screen was put up as part of its guidelines for Tree Pruning/Removal and Management in Public Places, set down in October 2003.

Vandalism of vegetation, which includes tree poisoning, costs councils more than $70,000 annually, a spokesperson said.

Very few people are prosecuted in relation to such vandalism because it is difficult to prove who did the damage. Education wasnt working.

In the case of this particular tree, a cotton tree which was at least 20 years old, the guidelines have been implemented. A tree has been planted to replace the poisoned tree and the screen will remain in place until the tree has grown to the height of the poisoned tree.

Mr Kimball said councils policy may have been a good attempt to address vandalism, but it was denying his client natural justice.