Calls for more security after turpentine trees stolen at Lyne Road Reserve at Cheltenham

Vandals’ actions have forced Hornsby Council ratepayers to shell out up to $4000 to replace trees uprooted at Lyne Road Reserve in Cheltenham.

Emma Heyde (second from left), Graham Ross (fifth) and Michael Bianchino (sixth) with other concerned residents at Lyne Road Reserve at Cheltenham.

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Vandals’ actions have forced Hornsby Council ratepayers to shell out up to $4000 to replace stolen and uprooted trees at A Cheltenham park.

Offenders ruined eight turpentine trees and an angophora at Lyne Road Reserve between April 15 and 24.

Five out of eight trees were found, three with roots intact and two were found dumped in a canal.

Eight out of 12 trees were uprooted or vandalised.

Hornsby Council will replace the trees but environmentalists have requested a surveillance camera be installed in the playground near the natives — each worth up to $500.

Resident Michael Bianchino started nurturing a dozen trees four years ago after 3000 natives were lost at Cheltenham Oval to make way for a Sydney Metro northwest station.

“They are really slow growing and the council planted them four years ago,’’ he said.

“Putting these plants in are another four years. There’s no point putting them in if they’re going to get ripped out again.”

Michael Bianchino at Lyne Road Reserve, Cheltenham, where turpentine trees were vandalised.

Hornsby Greens councillor Emma Heyde said the matter was reported to Eastwood police after residents labelled the move calculated.

“Kids snip off trees if they’re feeling a little silly,’’ she said.

“They don’t get a mattock and … so I there was something a little more calculated than a bored school kid.

“I’m at a loss to explain why it was done unless someone thought they were going to be too shady.”

Cr Heyde said the vandalism was also a waste of resources because the trees were cultivated at the council-run Pennant Hills community nursery.

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“It’s hundreds of volunteer hours and staff hours to grow the plants as well,’’ she said.

“The vast community values trees and they want them there in perpetuity … ”

Residents will look into providing guards for the trees, which Cr Heyde said contractors often “knocked around” when mowing the reserve.

On Saturday, residents and environmentalists, including Better Homes and Gardens’ presenter and Beecroft resident Graham Ross, converged on Lyne Road Reserve in a show of solidarity to discuss solutions to preventing theft from reoccurring.