Ball Bay tree vandalism costs rise to $6000 for Mackay ratepayers

The cost of vegetation vandalism is soaring for ratepayers as council deplores the selfish act putting baby turtles, and the beach itself, in grave danger. See the plan for revenge and photos of the latest damage.

Mackay Regional Council received a report on October 12, 2022, that 25 trees were damaged at Ball Bay. Picture: Supplied

Mackay councillors have been sickened by the selfish destruction of beach trees essential to keeping hatchling turtles, and the beach itself, alive.

The Ball Bay tree vandalism was thought to cost ratepayers $4500, but figures mentioned in the Mackay Regional Council latest ordinary meeting estimate they have risen to $6000.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the vandalism at the beachside community north of Mackay followed $3,000,000 spent in the previous term to restore two beaches’ vital dune systems.

“It’s just disgusting really,” Mr Williamson said.

Mackay Regional Council received a report on October 12, 2022, that 25 trees were damaged at Ball Bay. Picture: Supplied

Council documents state it received a report on October 12 that 25 trees had been damaged along the foreshore vegetation in front of 23 Buoro Street in Ball Bay.

“(This) includes the complete removal of some (trees) and the extensive trimming of others.’’

Councillor Pauline Townsend said the destroyed 25 trees would be replaced three-to-one at a cost “of more than $6000”.

Documents detailed costs of $2280 to install a 1.8m by 3.6m billboard and a further $4181 towards planting and maintaining up to 75 new plants.

Mackay Regional Council received a report on October 12, 2022, that 25 trees were damaged at Ball Bay. Picture: Supplied

“It sickens me to see the blatant disregard for the environment,” Ms Townsend said.

“Every case of tree vandalism costs ratepayers.

“While we use the term vandalism, the damage is criminal damage.

“Someone knows who they are, this is a small community.”

Mackay Regional Council received a report on October 12, 2022, that 25 trees were damaged at Ball Bay. Picture: Supplied

Documents said officers inspected the site a week later and phoned nearby property owners but were unable to obtain any evidence.

Deputy mayor Karen May said, after a host of similarly destructive and costly incidents, “you just cannot understand that nobody’s seen anything”.

“When you look at the photographs (of) the damage that’s been done, you would think in a community such as Ball Bay, that somebody would have seen something,” Ms May said.

“Some community pride is what needs to be happening.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said any information about ‘extremely disappointing’ tree vandals should be reported to council, anonymously if need be. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“We take responsibility.”

Councillors May, Townsend and Justin Englert all asked the community to report any information to council, even anonymously.

Mr Englert said it was “pretty obvious” someone had destroyed the trees to improve their beach view, without thought for their community or environment.

“Those trees are there are to stop significant erosion,” Mr Englert said.

“In 20 years, that community will come to council and ask the ratepayers … to pay for a new beach.

Cr Justin Englert said costly beach vandalism would damage dunal systems and endanger turtle nests. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“As well as holding the dunal system together … those trees are required for turtle nesting.

“Without those trees in place to provide that shade, those nests will probably just cook.

“(Yet they’re) doing it to get a view.

“(Well) you’ve lost your new view … and we’re putting up a great dirty billboard so you can’t have it again.”

Mackay Regional Council received a report on October 12, 2022, that 25 trees were damaged at Ball Bay. Picture: Supplied

These expenses add to the lengthy list of damages incurred this year for vegetation vandals which includes $7300 for 21 trees harmed between Belangason Way and Hodges Rd in Shoal Point; $4100 to remedy vandalism at O’Brien Esplanade, also in Shoal Point; $2200 for a repeat attack on trees at Hay Point; and a further $2950 for a separate case also in Hay Point.

One of the worst cases of vegetation vandalism was in 2018 at Shoal Point when more than 200 trees, including 150 casuarinas, were trimmed.

Do you think large billboards and trees planted at a three-to-one ratio are adequate deterrents to vandals? Have your say by emailing [e-mail] or comment below.