Mosman Council keeps tree vandalism signs in place
It was the worst case of tree vandalism ever recorded in Mosman. The council has hit back with a set of huge signs but what do the innocent neighbours think?
A set of banners will be in place until next year after the “worst” case of tree vandalism ever seen in Mosman.
Five trees were chopped down at Quakers Hat South with a chainsaw and Mosman Council decided to take action.
Three anti-vandalism banners and a motion camera were installed on site after the incident was reported in September.
Council has since decided to keep the banners in place for another 18 months in a bid to identify the perpetrator of the “extreme” tree vandalism.
“The banners are intended to educate, send a clear message that such vandalism is unacceptable and encourage members of the community to come forward with information,” a council spokeswoman said.
It is unknown why the set of trees were targeted but council believes it was likely someone living in the area who wanted to improve their view.
Surrounding residents are being notified of the plan to keep the banners in place and the matter will be raised again by council if any further acts of vandalism take place.
Bay St resident Kelwyn Teo is pleased the council compromised by not going ahead with its original plan to install a larger banner. He is hopeful the vandal will not strike again.
“In a perfect world I would rather not have the banners as it penalises innocent parties,” Mr Teo said.
“We will all learn from this experience and be more vigilant.”
The trees targeted were natives including angophoras and banksias, and were up to 40 years old. One tree was about 17m tall.
Council is monitoring the site 24/7 and inspecting it weekly.
Mosman Councillor Roy Bendall is supporting the decision to keep the banners in place.
“We can’t allow this vandalism without some sort of response,” Cr Bendall said.
“It was the worst on record because of the number of trees.”
Cr Bendall said that the felled trees are being replaced with new mature trees.
“They will be as big as we can buy them,” he said.
“Our council will be diligent in tracking down and replacing any trees destroyed by vandals.”
The council has used banners before after trees were targeted and it proved effective at nearby Joels Reserve.
The penalties for tree vandalism include criminal conviction and fines up to $5m.
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