Fraser Coast ratepayers left with $10,000 bill after trees destroyed

Fraser Coast ratepayers will have to shell out $10,000 to replace 12 trees that were snapped off along a popular tourist trail.

The trees were snapped off at their bases, with the tops left lying on the ground, Fraser Coast Regional Council manager of open space and environment Max Corte said.Â

Ratepayers will be forced to pay $10,000 to replace 12 trees that were illegally removed along a section of the Mary to Bay Rail Trail.

The trees were snapped off at their bases, with the tops left lying on the ground, Fraser Coast Regional Council manager of open space and environment Max Corte said.

“It is so disappointing to see this environmental vandalism occurring on an avenue of trees that was only planted a year ago and we encourage anyone with any information about this incident to contact council,” he said.

“Council received a positive response from residents to the new trees as they provide shade, habitat for native animals and help beautify the area.

The trees were snapped off at their bases, with the tops left lying on the ground.

“The Fraser Coast has a beautiful natural environment with a range of unique ecosystems, and this project is part of council’s ‘greening the Fraser Coast strategy’ and our commitment to plant 100,000 trees by 2030.

“Rehabilitating unauthorised vegetation damage is not only expensive, it takes away funds that could have been used for other community services and priorities.

“Removing the stumps, supplying replacement trees and re-establishing the trees over the next 12 months is expected to cost about $10,000.”

Mr Corte said under the council’s local laws, it was an offence to damage vegetation in any way on council-controlled land without prior approval.

The damage will cost ratepayers $10,000.

“While we are still in the early stages of an investigation, council is urging anyone who witnessed the vandalism to contact council as soon as possible so we can take the appropriate action,” he said.

“Our local laws allow council to take action by issuing fines, making the offenders replant trees at their expense and referring matters to the courts where warranted.”

If members of the public have any information about vegetation damage that is potentially illegal, they can report it confidentially to the council on 1300 79 49 29.

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Originally published as Fraser Coast ratepayers left with $10,000 bill after trees destroyed