BY ANGELA THOMPSON
27 Nov, 2009 08:20 AM
Nofolk pine saplings have again met an early end at Towradgi Park, this time on the eve of a ceremony to launch giant signs proclaiming fines of up to $1.1 million for tree vandals.
Less than 24 hours after seven pines were planted inside tree guards left vacant since the last lot were hacked to pieces, three were ringbarked and possibly painted with poison.
One of the three is certain to die as a result of the ringbarking which deprives the tree of nutrients.
Wollongong City Council will monitor the other two damaged trees, but doesn't expect they will survive.
Director of infrastructure and works Peter Kofod said the council took tree vandalism seriously and had reported the matter to police.
"This is an extremely disappointing act of vandalism that is both detrimental to the environment and the local community," he said.
"It is also an expensive and unnecessary cost to ratepayers."
The trees were planted on Wednesday to line the park's bike path, and each cost about $300.
Yesterday, some residents condemned the destruction.
"I think it's selfish. They've ruined it for everybody else," said one.
Others labelled the vandalism "senseless", adding the grassed area desperately needed shade for people gathered for outdoor activities.
However some said the council hadn't adequately consulted residents about the addition of the trees.
"I don't agree with the trees being vandalised at all, but ... there wasn't much consultation about what trees went there," said one woman, who did not want to be named.
"Some people didn't want them here. They don't get a lot of (sea) view.
"If they had smaller trees here no-one would vandalise them."
Another woman, whose house borders the park, denied she and neighbours had a problem with the species, adding there was enough space between their branches to see the view.
"It's not this side of the street killing them, I can assure you," she said.
According to the council, the trees were first planted in July last year after "extensive consultation with the community through the Towradgi Park master plan".
Students from Towradgi Park Primary School were involved in the tree planting and designed stainless steel tree guards.
Six months later all seven trees were hacked at the base. Then, last month, all the trees were again damaged and had to be removed.
The most recent replanting was to be celebrated today, with Towradgi Public School students to gather for the launch of signs declaring the area a vandalism site.
The council will continue to replace the vandalised trees.
27th November 2009, 07:04 PM
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