Mass tree poisoning at Point Vernon parklands

Multiple trees - some very large and old - have been poisoned in a beachside suburb of Hervey Bay in what the local council has slammed an act of environmental vandalism.

The council has fenced off the parklands in the past to ensure its rehabilitation

Fraser Coast Regional Council is investigating a mass tree poisoning over a 150m stretch along Mant Street at Point Vernon, near where previous poisonings have occurred.

The latest incident comes a year after the council removed a $70,000 fence and educational banner that was installed around the site of tree poisonings in the area in 2018.

The fence was a source of division in the community, with some property owners not happy.

Councillor David Lewis said council officers had sent samples away for testing, but it appeared to be a deliberate and brazen act of environmental vandalism including ground spraying and holes drilled to fill the trees with poison.

The parklands in Point Vernon have been poisoned on previous occasions.

“It is so sad and disappointing to see tree poisonings happening again in Point Vernon, albeit in a slightly different location,” he said.

“The trees are valuable to all of us. They are home to wildlife, provide shade and protection from the wind, and are on an embankment directly above community parklands with barbecues and a children’s playground.

“Council is discussing this latest incident with the police and will conduct a detailed investigation to determine what has happened and what needs to happen now with some very large mature trees already dying off.”

The Point Vernon parklands where the poisonings occurred.

Mr Lewis said the council planted more than 2000 seedlings in Mant Street in 2021 and removed the temporary fencing in September 2022 after revegetation and rehabilitation of the previously poisoned area progressed well.

“Officers will provide a formal report to council with recommendations about what steps should be taken in response to this latest poisoning incident,” he said.

“Council officers have increased surveillance of this site and other high-risk vandalism sites in the region.

“Every incident of tree vandalism impacts every ratepayer as council has to spend time and money testing and investigating, and then replanting and rehabilitating the area.

“We urge anyone with any information about this latest tree poisoning incident to contact Council on 1300 79 49 29 or email [e-mail] ”

The Fraser Coast Regional Council is investigating a mass tree poisoning at Point Vernon.

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