Council replaces vandalised trees

CLARENCE City Council has replanted some semi-mature eucalypts at the site of last year’s tree vandalism in Bellerive, reinforcing council’s commitment to revegetating the area.

Last year 11 eucalyptus trees along the Bellerive foreshore – 10 of which were threatened species – were poisoned, with council issuing a $10,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of the perpetrators.

“Clarence has many significant areas of coastal and bushland reserves and it has been fantastic to see the outpouring of support since the horrible act of vandalism that occurred here last year,” Clarence Mayor Doug Chipman said.

“Clarence is home to many protected and threatened species of flora and fauna and at council we are fully committed to revegetating and protecting our special natural areas.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the community groups who work so hard and volunteer their time to care for Clarence’s precious coastal vegetation. Thank you.”

Since the vandalism, council has put significant measures in place to reduce the likelihood of similar offenses, including the recent adoption of council’s Tree Policy and the installation of signage encouraging the public to report information to Crime Stoppers.

Council will continue to remove any unsafe dead limbs from the tree trunks of the original trees, which will remain in place to provide a habitat for native wildlife and perching opportunities for birds that frequent this area.