Redland council investigates mass tree poisoning in front of Straddie Hotel

More than 20 trees overlooking one of Queensland’s most exclusive beaches have potentially been poisoned to allegedly improve ocean views for nearby properties.

Redland City Council is investigating 20 dead trees overlooking Cylinder Beach in front of the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel. Pictures: Contributed

A bayside council is investigating the suspected mass poisoning of trees on a cliffside overlooking one of Queensland’s most coveted waterfront views at North Stradbroke Island’s Cylinder Beach.

The alleged environmental vandalism is believed to have occurred over several months, leaving more than 20 trees dead, with vegetation further showing signs of poisoning.

The area, part of the heritage-registered Point Lookout Foreshore Reserve, has long been known for its pristine natural beauty and is protected under state government regulations. However, the death of the trees has raised concerns among local residents, who suspect poisoning was carried out by unknown people to enhance views of the ocean for nearby properties.

The properties along that stretch include the Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel, which recently underwent a $16 million redevelopment.

The hotel’s management has denied any knowledge of the tree poisoning.

“The trees in question are not situated in a way that would benefit the hotel or enhance the view line for our patrons,” a hotel spokeswoman said.

“We have fully co-operated with the council’s investigation and will continue to support their efforts to resolve this matter.”

Point Lookout has also undergone a massive transformation with the rejuvenation of local shops and restaurants overlooking the waterfront.

An aerial view of Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island with the hotel in the foreground and the beach at the top of the image. Picture: Google Maps

The dead trees, including native brush box and pandanus, are located between Cylinder Beach and Home Beach on a hillside known as Pub Rock.

The location is in front of the hotel, which is attached to privately owned holiday apartments. Residents said they had observed the systematic death of the vegetation over three months, with some trees turning brown and dying, while others appeared to be in the early stages of decline.

One resident, who has been documenting the destruction but did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, said the dead trees had all the hallmarks of a mass poisoning.

“It’s not just individual trees or species — it’s an entire bush ecosystem being poisoned all at the same time over a large area.”

Redland City Council, which acts as trustee for the foreshore reserve, said it was investigating the suspected poisoning of the trees but had yet to determine the cause.

The suspected poisoning coincides with major redevelopment in the area, further fuelling speculation about the motive behind the act.

The Straddie hotel overlooks Cylinder Beach where more than 20 trees have died. Picture: Contributed

Despite suspicions, there has been no direct evidence linking any particular individual or group to the crime.

Residents plan to form a coalition to address the issue formally and demand the state introduce stronger deterrents and more protective measures for the island’s vulnerable ecosystem.

They propose writing to the state and asking for trees to be replanted on the site and for the installation of screens and signs where the trees once stood.

The residents’ proposal includes using billboards similar to those used at Noosa and around properties on Sydney Harbour, where trees had been deliberately poisoned to improve water views.

Residents said they had been told by the council that without witnesses or video evidence, prosecuting for deliberate poisoning would be difficult.

The poisoning of heritage-protected land is a serious offence in Queensland.

The dead tree investigation comes four months after the council launched an investigation after a massive tract of bush on the island was cleared at nearby Point Lookout.

That investigation was three months after a man was fined $20,000 for an unrelated clearing incident.

Biosecurity Queensland was also called in June after more than 25 chickens were found dead on nearby Flinders Beach.

Originally published as Redland council investigates mass tree poisoning in front of Straddie Hotel