Bayside Council is aware of significant tree vandalism along the Brighton foreshore and moved quickly to install a shipping container in the location, and will be installing large signage to deter vandalism and ensure no one benefits from an improved bay view.
Council identified two trees that have been poisoned along the foreshore walkway, and one tree that has been chopped down within the sand dunes in The Grand Parade, between Bruce Street and Henson Street, Brighton Le Sands.
Bayside Council takes a strong stance against tree vandalism and is actively investigating these incidents.
Fines start from $3000 for an individual and $6,000 for a company but can reach up to $1million if the case is deemed severe enough by the Court.
To restore the area, two large pine trees will be planted near the poisoned trees. Once these new trees are established, the poisoned trees will be removed.
Council will also consider fencing off the newly planted trees to protect them if necessary.
To restore the areas within the sand dunes, Council will be reshaping a small portion of the dunes and install low-level plants to both assist in the sand stabilisation (minimising windblown sand), and beautification of the area.
In 2021, when trees were hacked down with chainsaws to improve views, Council moved shipping containers to the site to stop the vandals from gaining their desired water views. These shipping containers are still in place.
One of Council's strategies to improve the local tree canopy is to plant two similar new trees for every tree that has been removed or poisoned.
Anyone with information on tree poisoning is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Bayside Council on 1300 581 299
