Poison attack on palm trees in Helensvale, Gold Coast

A shock poison attack on Gold Coast palm trees labelled “peak 2020 disappointment” by a local councillor is now under investigation.

THE Gold Coast City Council is investigating the poisoning of five palm trees in Helensvale.

One of them is dead.

Area councillor William Owen-Jones labelled the attack at Helensvale Road/Serenity Boulevard as “peak 2020 disappointment” and said the trees had “essentially been ringbarked”.

Poisoned trees at Helensvale Road and Serenity Blvd.

MORE NEWS

Gold Coast development: 10 massive projects shaking up city

Investigation after tradie Daniel Baresic finds structure strangely covered in ratchet straps on top of The Oracle tower at Broadbeach

Coast surfing legend hospitalised after snake bite

“Each one had at least eight drill marks in them,” he said. “Somebody clearly doesn’t like palm trees.”

It is believed all of the trees, which are around 30 years old, may need to be removed.

“I have no idea how much a removal would cost,” Cr Owen-Jones said. “These trees are just on the median strip, they weren’t in anyone’s way.

“We know the poisoning happened in the last couple of months.

“This is level 14 2020 bad news – I can’t wait until 2021.”

Council are investigating an attempt to poison palm trees on a Gold Coast road.

An arborist who did not want to be named said they have had requests from people across the Gold Coast to remove palm trees from council property.

“We don’t do it obviously but there is demand for it sometimes,” he said.

“I don’t get it, the palms sometimes aren’t even close to their property, they just get sick of driving past them and want a change.”

Gold Coast Palm Man owner and arborist Ross McKinley said the Helensvale poisoining was “bizarre”.

“Why anyone would bother trees like this? There is no common sense here.

“Palm trees are mainly removed so someone could get a better view but that isn’t the case here. No one is at risk of being hit by palm fronds. I guess bats could be an issue but the seeds are usually cleared out by council.

“They wouldn’t even obstruct a big vehicle because of their height.”

Mr McKinley said the removal of the dead trees would ultimately be a big job for council.

“I would say that the road will need to be closed to remove them.”