Fine handed out over Coolum Beach environmental vandalism

Several sites across the Sunshine Coast are under the spotlight after the environment was wrecked by vandals.

Trees have been poisoned at Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast.

The Sunshine Coast Council has handed out a $20k fine as investigations continue into a number of trees have been damaged along the coastline.

Two separate locations, with a third under investigation, suffered the loss of multiple native trees along the coastline.

Sunshine Coast Council said they successfully prosecuted a case of vegetation damage resulting in a $20,000 fine and an additional $14,452 in compensation.

Council received reports of a “suspicious decline in health” of the native plants in the area and began an investigation.

One of the poisoned trees.

Herbicide testing confirmed poisoning of trees at First Bay, where a large warning sign has been placed as a warning.

The second site of damaged trees is at the Donegal Drive Environment Reserve while a third location near the Coolum boardwalk is also under investigation.

Three separate types of herbicides were found damaging vegetation in the Yaroomba Coolum Foreshore Reserve.

Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Portfolio holder and Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said the poisonings saddened her.

“It is deeply troubling to see such deliberate damage to our precious native vegetation,” Ms Suarez said.

Trees along the footpath were also poisoned.

“The destruction of vegetation not only harms the environment but also affects the entire community so council will take all necessary steps to hold those responsible accountable,” she said.

Ms Suarez said the council would take strong action against those responsible for damaging vegetation and urged residents to report any suspicious activity.

Sunshine Coast Councillor Maria Suarez is upset over the environmental vandalism taking place in her division.

“Those found guilty of such offences can be fined up to $131,580 and anyone with information is urged to notify council.”

The council receives regular complaints of illegal clearing and poisoning of native trees and is working with the community to protect, nurture and enhance the environment.

Coolum Tree Poisonings

“We are grateful to those residents who report this to council as without their information, it is often difficult to find the culprits and prosecute them, which in turn deters others from carrying out environmental vandalism,” Ms Suarez said.

Tree poisonings at Peregian Springs and Marcoola are still being investigated but vegetation has not recovered to date as the poison caused significant damage.

Originally published as Fine handed out over Coolum Beach environmental vandalism