By Cindy Yin
Residents of an affluent lower north shore suburb have launched a desperate bid to save a beloved 100-year-old fig tree after what they suspect was a “calculated” attack to secure better harbour views.
Vandals drilled numerous holes into the trunk and poisoned the Port Jackson fig at Horse Paddock in Woolwich. Seven other trees have been poisoned, and about 30 trees cut. Six of the poisoned trees could not be saved and have been removed.
Unknown vandals drilled holes into a 100-year-old fig tree and poisoned it.Credit: Rhett Wyman
Initial assessments reveal the damage occurred most likely in the past week, said Hunters Hill council staff, arborists at the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and rangers.
An arborist will attempt to flush out the poison with Seasol, a liquid seaweed concentrate that may improve the tree’s chance of survival.
The incident marks the first of its kind to use poison in Woolwich, but it is the latest in a years-long string of alleged vandalism against harbourside trees.
In 2023, more than 260 trees were hacked, chainsawed and poisoned in Castle Cove and up to 300 trees and other plants were razed in Lane Cove.
A similar incident in January 2024, just a stone’s throw from Horse Paddock, took place at Goat Paddock when another 100-year-old fig tree was illegally removed.
The harbour trust has erected a large sign at the tree’s former location to warn copycat vandals.
An investigation spearheaded by the trust is under way, and NSW police have been notified.
Lisa McLean, leader of the local community group Save our Shores, called the vandalism a “strategic attack” to clear space for a harbour view.
Resident Beverley Bennett with the recently poisoned fig tree.Credit: Rhett Wyman
“It’s a calculated act of vandalism,” McLean said.
“This is not just an act of vandalism but a real disregard for public assets and natural assets. These assets belong to the community – they are priceless, and we need them.”
Smaller trees that have been cut back by vandals.Credit: Rhett Wyman
Locals describe Woolwich, with a population of 826 people, as home to a tight-knit, environmentally minded community. It is part of Hunters Hill Council, the smallest local government by area in NSW.
One resident of 24 years, Jane Cowley, said: “We’ve got this history of caring for our community that goes back many years, it really saddens me.”
Resident Beverley Bennett said: “It’s a really integral part of what makes this community green and pleasant to live in; it should not be sacrificed for a view. It’s selfish. People come to this area because of the beauty that they can find within an urban landscape. We value it – it’s really sad that other people who live here may not.”
Offenders found guilty in the Land and Environment Court can be fined up to $1.1 million and receive a criminal record.
Local councils can also issue on-the-spot fines of up to $3000.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Harbour Trust.
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