A herbicide has been used to poison a section of sensitive coastal environment, prompting a warning from a local council about the potential for big penalties for those who damage nature.
Trees and plants were destroyed inside an 8000sqm area – about the size of two football field – along the Mudjimba-Marcoola Foreshore Reserve.
Sunshine Coast Council is investigating the vandalism and a large warning sign has been installed to highlight the damage and send a clear warning against the illegal activity.
The signs will stay in place until the site has regenerated.
“This is a case of blatant, malicious destruction with clear intent to not just damage the area but devastate it,” Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said.
The damage has also created a significant risk to endangered loggerhead turtles nesting on the beach below.
Council is investigating measures such as installing screening, to reduce light at the beach, to support turtle nesting.
A specialist environmental consultant has been engaged to determine the full impact and the options to help rehabilitate the area.
Cr Suarez called for the community’s help in providing evidence to identify the offender.
“Council is investigating but the damage to the site is so severe that the case has been referred to the Department of Environment and Science for additional investigation,” she said.
“Testing inside the damaged area has revealed the use of a damaging herbicide, using a chemical rarely seen on the Coast.
“It stays in the soil for a number of years, which means it’ll be some time before the site starts to naturally recover.”
Those found guilty of environmental vandalism offences can face hefty fines, and anyone with information is urged to call council on 5475 7272.
“Our natural environment is part of what makes the Sunshine Coast so special and if convicted of illegal damage people can face significant fines of up to $131,580 from council, and more if found guilty under the Queensland Environmental Protection Act,” Cr Suarez said.
The council receives regular complaints of illegal clearing and poisoning of native trees. In a media release, it said it was grateful to residents who report environmental vandalism because it is otherwise often difficult to find the culprits and prosecute them, which in turn deters others.
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