Seaside council installs shipping container in response to alleged tree poisoning
A seaside council has struck back in a sneaky way after they said trees were poisoned “for the sake of a view”.
Environment
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A seaside council has struck back in a sneaky way after they said trees were poisoned “for the sake of a view” in south Sydney.
The Bayside Council said on Friday it was investigating alleged poisoning and vandalism of trees alongside the foreshore.
As the probe continued, the council said it had installed a shipping container to block the “desired view” of the ocean.
Large signage would be put up to deter alleged vandals, with artists David Craig to use the container for a mural.
In a post, the Bayside Council said the mural would “ensure our area remains a vibrant and welcoming space”.
The alleged vandalism drew the ire of locals online who urged the Bayside Council to leave the container.
“Don’t paint the shipping containers. Let the (alleged) culprits view an eyesore,” one person wrote.
Others were not so keen, with one person saying the community should not be penalised.
“The shipping containers look horrible and also, nobody owns a view, not even the council,” they said.
“Please further investigate the matter without asking the community to put up with this unnecessary container.”
The Bayside Council said the destruction of property, including trees, was a criminal offence.
“Offenders can face serious criminal charges and fines ranging from $3,000 to $1 million,” the council said.
The alleged tree poisoning comes after a number of high-profile alleged illegal tree killings in Sydney.
More than 260 trees were illegally cut down or poisoned in a waterfront reserve in Castle Cove in Sydney’s north in 2023.
Last year, the Bayside Council investigated another alleged tree poisoning after trees were targeted in Monterey.
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