Vegetation vandals strike again in ‘extreme’ attacks
Vandals have hacked, slashed and chainsawed through Mackay’s foreshore to create ocean views and beach tracks
Mackay
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Vandals have hacked, slashed and chainsawed through Mackay’s foreshore in a vain attempt to create ocean views and beach tracks.
Mackay Regional Council said it had uncovered three extreme cases of vegetation vandalism at Grasstree Beach, Haliday Bay and Seaforth.
The council said 35 trees were damaged across the three beaches since September.
A Development Services report revealed these areas were hot spots for vegetation vandals.
It said the council has been in a two-year battle with unknown vandals at the Grasstree Beach esplanade and Haliday Bay, with “continuous damage to vegetation” at the two beaches.
The most recent saga included the destruction of 10 plants at both sites in September.
The report said Grasstree Beach residents hacked down 10 trees to create an informal track and ocean views.
Property owners from 58 to 78 on The Esplanade were questioned, but not enough evidence was gathered to identify a suspect.
“It has not been possible to gather evidence proving the identity of the person responsible for the vandalism,” the council report said.
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“Therefore, enforcement or court action is not recommended in this case, however this will be reassessed should further evidence be obtained.”
The council will have its revenge by replanting three times the number of trees destroyed, and installing a 1.8m by 3.6m billboard shaming the vandals.
But the council admitted “current signage that has been installed has not worked to deter the vandals”.
At Haliday Bay unknown residents have continued to damage vegetation at Headland Dr, with three cases of destruction reported in September, October and November.
Councillors voted to block the illegally created ocean views with a 1.8m by 3.6m sign and replace the 10 destroyed trees with 30 new ones.
The biggest case of vegetation vandalism was at Seaforth, at Victor Creek Reserve off Finlaysons Point Rd.
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An informal vehicle access track was created by knocking down 15 mature trees through the reserve.
“Although the vegetation clearing has been substantial, it has not resulted in a view being obtained. As an alternative, it is proposed that two small signs, 450mm x 600mm, be installed at the start of the track,” the council report said.
The council said it would consider putting boulders and logs in the reserve to block off the track.
Councillor Alison Jones said it was disappointing that residents were destroying public property, particularly as the trees were essential to prevent erosion.
“A residents believes they have the right to destroy trees on public property,” Cr Jones said
“The next thing you know they will be complaining about their foreshore washing away.”
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