Wirraglen estate offers 5k reward for tree vandal information

A regional Qld developer is offering a $5000 reward for any tip offs after multiple saplings were vandalised throughout their development.

Developers at Wirraglen Estate have posted a $5000 reward for any information that would lead to finding the culprits behind a spate of tree vandalism in Highfields. Picture: supplied

The director of a residential development in regional Queensland has been left outraged after almost 10 tree saplings were upended, stolen, vandalised or ran over in a month-long spate of “senseless vandalism”.

Overseeing a residential development in Highfields, a suburb known to value its trees and koala habitat, Hallmark Property director Ian Knox said he had put out a $5000 reward for the “apprehension of the vandal who is destroying our street trees”.

He said the company had to plant “about 10 trees for every tree we removed” in building Wirraglen, the Kleinton estate which is currently under construction.

Developers at Wirraglen Estate have posted a $5000 reward for any information that would lead to finding the culprits behind a spate of tree vandalism in Highfields. Picture: supplied

“And then we’ve got some idiot with limited brains who comes over and breaks them, and we’re left with the really bad outcome of having to go and replace those trees again,” he said.

“This sort of vandalism needs to be called out.”

Last week after two 2 metre trees were “karate chopped” over and completely snapped from their stumps, Mr Knox decided to take action.

Speaking to police and councillors, he decided to put out a reward of $5000 for any tips that lead to finding out who is destroying their trees.

He estimated that each tree had a value of about $500 - $1000, including their purchase, landscaping and maintenance.

“Trees are critical to having a leafy environment for the enjoyment for all,” Mr Knox said.

“We’ve got a 150 lots for sale and we’ve sold about 90,” he said.

He said it was important to ensure Highfields maintain its leafy atmosphere and wildlife it is known for.

Developers at Wirraglen Estate have posted a $5000 reward for any information that would lead to finding the culprits behind a spate of tree vandalism in Highfields. Picture: supplied

“We’re providing a mature tree for every every house that goes in as well as all the trees we’re putting on the footpath,” he said.

With the roads already built and the houses underway, the estate has attracted a number of hoons taking advantage of its empty streets, running over the saplings and even once took out a fence, which is completely opposite to the family feeling of the suburb, Hallmark Property general manager Tim Colthup said.

The developer is hoping that the financial reward for stopping the tree vandals will mean the trees will be left to mature as intended.

If you have any information about the incidents please contact crimestoppers.