Vulgar vandals target Burleigh Heads National Park’s popular Oceanview track
Authorities have been pressed on what consequences await the vandals behind the shocking defacement of trees along Burleigh’s Oceanview track, which drew a larger-than-usual crowd on Sunday morning.
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There was to be no satisfaction for visitors to the Gold Coast’s newest pop-up gallery on Sunday morning.
While a bigger crowd than usual took to Burleigh’s Oceanview track, pandanus roots that had been defaced overnight to enhance the tree’s nobby natural assets had been given a G-rated paint job within 24 hours.
More than one million visitors use the 1.2km track - which runs from Burleigh Headland to Tallebudgera Creek - every year.
The Gold Coast Bulletin asked The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) - which looks after national parks - if they’d be rooting out the offenders.
Would they face stiff penalties … and would rangers be given the laborious job of rubbing it off?
DESI said they’d get back to us next week.
The aspiring member for Burleigh Hermann Vorster was also asked for his thoughts but has yet to respond.
On Friday the LNP candidate said if elected he’d spend $630,000 tackling the weed problem at Burleigh Heads National Park.
While authorities kept their lips zipped, Bulletin readers were more forthcoming.
Some suggested the trees had been asking for it.
Ness Ashworth said: “We have always called them willy trees since moving here 18 years ago.”
Others applauded the new “attraction”.
“Burleigh ‘Heads’ has its own unique tourist attraction now! Please don’t ruin it.... think of the business it will bring, you know, all the influencers getting their selfies, then going for lunch or dinner nearby,” commented Robb E Crawford.
“Better than a set of shitehouse lights for the Olympics,” said Brandon Nozza.
Lisa Stefani was unimpressed.
“People with no respect for nature - it’s just vandalism nothing more,” she said.
Jennifer Lawrie said: “Oh this vandalism is getting out of control - it’s begun to penetrate the morning walk members of the community. We should erect some signs and warn them of the hard punishment should they get caught.”
And this prediction from Kym Duncan: “Once the tram comes expect more.”
Earlier: Vulgar vandalism shocks walkers at Gold Coast’s most popular track
Vandals have struck the Gold Coast’s most popular walking track overnight.
Dozens of defaced peendanus lining Burleigh Heads National Park’s Oceanview path greeted locals and tourists who were out in force on Saturday morning. It appears the peendanus were made to resemble male genitalia.
More than one million visitors use the 1.2km track - which runs from Burleigh Headland to Tallebudgera Creek - every year.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have been asked if they’ll be rooting out offenders. The senseless act on native flora comes a day after the LNP declared a war on weeds at the iconic park.
More to come.
Originally published as Vulgar vandals target Burleigh Heads National Park’s popular Oceanview track
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