Redland City Council is investigating the vandalism of 36 trees along the Point Lookout headland on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).
Mayor Jos Mitchell said an inspection of the site had revealed extensive damage to a variety of tree species within a large section of the public reserve near Cylinder Beach.
“Investigations into the incident are still ongoing but the damage is significant and includes trees either being cut down or poisoned,” the Mayor said.
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“Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the damaged trees can be saved, meaning the affected area will need to be revegetated at a significant cost to Council.
“I’ve been advised that this incident is one of the worst cases of environmental vandalism Council officers have ever seen, with the damage resulting in the loss of important habitat for wildlife.
“While Council will act quickly to revegetate the site, new tree plantings can be difficult to establish in the area due to the salty conditions along the foreshore.
“Council officers have also advised that the removal of trees is likely to cause erosion within the reserve due to the steep, sandy conditions along the headland.
“Erosion in this area is particularly concerning as it could potentially impact the public boardwalk to Cylinder Beach.
“I’d like to reassure the community that Council is conducting a thorough investigation into this incident and has already commenced surveillance in the affected area.”
Penalties for causing deliberate damage to trees or other vegetation on Council land include fines and, in certain circumstances, prosecution.
Anyone found to have deliberately damaged trees and other vegetation can face fines of $667 under Council’s Local Laws.
Council also has the option to prosecute offenders in these circumstances, with Magistrates then able to impose a penalty of up to $6672.
The location is also part of the Point Lookout Foreshore which is listed as a State Heritage Place. This may mean that damage to the trees could attract significant fines under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 administered by the Queensland Government.
“If you have information about the incident at Point Lookout, please come forward so Council can take action and prevent any further damage in this area and across the city,” the Mayor said.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the damage was extremely disappointing for the community and would have significant ramifications for the ecosystem and local wildlife.
“Council is treating this matter very seriously and has already taken steps, such as surveillance, to prevent any further damage to vegetation along the headland,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Anyone with information about the poisoning of trees on Redlands Coast is encouraged to contact Council on 3829 8999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“We must work together as a community to stamp out this behaviour and ensure our naturally wonderful spaces are protected.
“My thanks go to those members of the community who have already provided information about the damage to assist Council with its investigation.”
Redland City Council provides a suite of services to 166,873 residents and more than 63,000 residential households across Redlands Coast. Our naturally wonderful city on Quandamooka Country is home to more than 335 kilometres of coastline, six island communities and 12 mainland suburbs.
