We all love those afternoons under the shade and beauty of trees in our neighbourhoods. Unfortunately, an environmental problem trend is emerging in the tranquil streets of our suburbs, where the rustling of leaves and birds chirping should be the only disturbances.
It disrupts the peace and environment we cherish, and local councils are not taking it lightly.
The Randwick Council in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has issued a stern warning: those caught vandalising or poisoning public trees could face hefty fines of up to $3,800.
This comes after a series of disturbing incidents on Cromwell Place in Malabar. Vandals have targeted young trees, who left them with drill holes at their bases—a clear sign of intentional harm.
According to Margaret Hogg, a passionate advocate from Saving Sydney’s Trees, tree poisoning is becoming ‘all too common’ across Australia. She has seen how this destructive act occurs in beach and waterfront suburbs.
‘One can only speculate on the motivation behind such deliberate and illegal actions,’ Margaret said.
Hogg added, ‘However, without proof, that is all it is, as, believe it or not, there are actually people in the public sphere who view all trees as a nuisance. What is clear though, is that this is a selfish, ignorant, blatant and cowardly act of destruction of public property, amenities and environment.’
The Randwick Council has made it clear that tree poisoning and vandalism are ‘serious offences.’ They investigate each case, including writing to residents and gathering evidence.
‘Individuals found guilty of tree poisoning can be prosecuted in court and given very substantial fines,’ the council’s spokesperson said.
The council recorded the first tree poisoned in November 2023. A month later, two more Queensland Brushbox trees were vandalised.
‘Council staff undertook works to make the dead trees safe by completing “habitat pruning” on both large trees in April 2024,’ the spokesperson added.
The process involves trimming the outer branches to make the tree safe but leaving the trunk and main branches to provide a habitat for birds and animals.
He added, ‘Signs advising that the tree had been vandalised and poisoned were installed as well as permanent signs advising of the habitat pruning.’
The council planted new scribbly gum trees in June. Still, in November, a suspected poisoning of the adolescent trees was reported, and more signs were erected.
Hogg commended the council’s firm stance and wished to ‘encourage them to keep planting and seeking out these vandals.’
‘They have in the past erected large banners to obstruct a view they saw as a motivation to send a message. I’m sure the residents would not want this. We are hopeful this will stop, and more people will stand up for our urban forest, for our children’s sake,’ she said.
The maximum fine for illegal tree removal in New South Wales is $1 million if the Land and Environment Court deems the offence severe. However, individual councils can issue smaller, though still significant, fines.
The maximum fine in Sydney is $3,000, while Melbourne’s is slightly higher at $3,800. Other states have lower penalties, such as Perth, where the maximum fine is $500.
Have you noticed any similar issues in your area? What do you think should be done to deter these acts of vandalism? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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