More than 150 plants stolen from New Norfolk nature strip at cost of $1300 to Derwent Valley Council

Brazen robbers have made off with more than 150 plants after plundering a nature strip at the entrance to a Tasmanian town, leaving the local mayor dismayed.

Green-fingered thieves have brazenly plundered more than 150 native plants from a New Norfolk nature strip, costing the local council upwards of $1300.

The plants were growing at a site on Hobart Rd at the eastern entrance to the town and were intended to create a sound barrier for residents of the adjacent Gateway Estate.

Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis said the plants were among the first things people saw driving into New Norfolk from Hobart.

“I just feel sad for everybody in town because we’re working quite hard to (improve) the look of the entrance to town and, of course, the sound barrier (for the Gateway Estate) is important,” she said.

“Plants do take a while to establish so having those taken and having to start all over again is not ideal.”

Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis after thieves stole 150 plants from Derwent Valley Council-owned land at New Norfolk. Picture: Chris Kidd

The thieves made off with 106 shrubs, worth $9.95 each, and 46 ground cover plants, worth $4.95 each. Ms Dracoulis said they had been planted about three months ago and had therefore had “some time to establish”.

The plants included small eucalypts, correa, and myoporum.

Ms Dracoulis said it would cost the Derwent Valley Council $1300 to replace the plants, not including labour costs.

“There’s no suggestion that it was anyone local (who stole the plants),” she said. “We’ve got no idea who’s done this.”

“Essentially, the town has been stolen from.

“I think there’s a perception that when people take things from council, they’re taking it from an entity that’s (separate) from the town.

“In reality, we run the infrastructure for the town. So when you steal an asset like that, you’re actually stealing from the community.”

A Tasmania Police spokeswoman said the matter had not been reported to police.

“We would encourage any report and/or information regarding this matter,” she said.

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Originally published as More than 150 plants stolen from New Norfolk nature strip at cost of $1300 to Derwent Valley Council