Local volunteers are calling for better measures and public assistance to deter vandals suspected of poisoning more than a dozen large trees along the coastline.
After multiple tip-offs, a row of several poisoned trees – believed to be cypress pines – were discovered along a hill opposite beachfront properties at Third Bay in Coolum.
Dead trees were also found in front of a new estate at Marcoola Shores.
Coolum and North Shore Coast Care president Leigh Warneminde said to her knowledge the illegal clearing and vegetation destruction had been coming in “waves” along the coast for about 20 years.
“I think it’s an entitlement thing,” she said.
“People think that it’s more important for them to have a view than it is for the integrity of the vegetation along the coast.
“It’s a public space … we find it very disrespectful and devastating.”
She believed the persons responsible for killing the trees did it for “personal gain” and had little regard for the environment, unlike the majority of the greater community.
“The destruction of vegetation on public land is, in reality, theft,” she said.
“These selfish acts have distressed those volunteers who contribute time and effort to preserve the environmental values of our region – which have been trashed by individuals lacking in appreciation of what remains of our natural environment.
“You wouldn’t jump your fence and chop your neighbour’s trees down, so why would you think that because it’s public land, it doesn’t have the same regard?
“It takes decades to grow trees on the sand dunes because it’s such a harsh environment.”
She said there was also ongoing vandalism and removal and poisoning of vegetation on the sand dunes at Marcoola Shores.
“Unfortunately council can’t do anything about it unless they catch people in the act,” she said.
“If you live in the vicinity of the affected areas and you see someone do it you, can take photos of it and report them – but I’m not suggesting that we become a whole bunch of vigilantes or anything.”
The group has had reports of similar vandalism occurring in the Buddina and Bokarina areas.
Ms Warneminde called for the Sunshine Coast Council to install signage to temporarily obstruct the views and to warn and deter people.
“Signage is the softest option but maybe we need to be a bit more proactive in solving this,” she said.
“Council have prosecuted people in the past for illegal clearing too. It’s not their fault, it’s quite difficult for them to actually proceed with that sort of stuff.”
To maintain the Coast’s biodiversity she encouraged people to plant local native plants in their garden to provide additional habitat.
She called for residents with an issue with vegetation on public land to contact council to try to compromise for things like pruning.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said when they received the inquiry about Third Bay, a council officer inspected the site and could not see any new evidence of suspicious tree decline.
“However, there was an earlier investigation into tree vandalism on Bay Terrace, Coolum,” the spokesperson said.
“The council investigation included laboratory herbicide testing which came back as a positive result. Unfortunately, the investigation was unsuccessful in identifying the offender and the case was closed.
“We urge anyone who may have information to contact council.”
The council spokesperson said the organisation was aware of several incidences of damage to existing vegetation and dunal restoration plantings in the area adjacent to Marcoola Shores over the past 18 months.
“The investigation is ongoing and we are unable to comment further,” they said.
“Again, we urge anyone who may have information to contact council.”
The spokesperson said council took a very strong stance when it comes to illegal tree clearing.
“Council receives regular complaints of illegal clearing and poisoning of native trees, and people can face significant fines for illegal damage if convicted,” they said.
“The ongoing replacement of damaged vegetation comes at a cost to our community – socially, environmentally and financially.
“It is also an offence to damage vegetation in this manner with a maximum penalty for this offence being $122,187.50.
“We urge the person/people damaging the trees to stop. These trees provide shade in parks, create habitat for our local wildlife, support protection of our coastline and keep the Sunshine Coast a beautiful place to live.
“We are grateful to those residents who report damage to us, as without their information it is often difficult to find the culprits and prosecute them, which in turn deters others from carrying out this environmental vandalism.”
The spokesperson said council could, depending on the situation and likelihood of impact and effectiveness, deter illegal vegetation clearing and vandalism by methods such as signage, surveillance, chemical testing, door knocking and letterbox drops.
They urged residents to contact council with requests to trim trees on council-managed land.
“We do carry out vegetation maintenance works in the park and reserve network for a number of reasons, which includes ensuring public safety, delivering environmental outcomes such as removal of weeds and replanting with native species, and protecting our assets and visual amenity in designated viewing areas for our community’s benefit,” the spokesperson said.
If you notice suspicious vegetation damage occurring in council-managed parks or reserves please contact council’s customer services on 5745 7272.
SUBSCRIBE here now for our FREE news feed, direct to your inbox daily.
