Tree vandals have struck again in Hobsons Bay, destroying six banksias on the Williamstown foreshore over the Easter long weekend.
The established trees were snapped in half and ripped from their stakes at Cyril Curtain Reserve, between Cole and Thompson streets.
Hobsons Bay council spent about $180,000 on planting street trees last financial year and another $10,000 replacing vandalised trees after repeated attacks at Williamstown Botanic Gardens and other locations.
Williamstown’s Bonnie Gelman said she did not believe the newly destroyed banksias would have obscured anyone’s bay views, but she added beachfront residents had differing opinions on whether they wanted trees on the foreshore.
“The trees are an emblem of a community that cares about nature and about our natural environment, and to have someone wilfully destroy those trees is a terrible thing,” she said.
“It’s a great insult to the people who have put time and effort into planting them.
“People who live along the Esplanade have different opinions on whether they want to look out to trees or just onto the blue bay.
“A number of us up our end said, ‘Yes, we think it’s an excellent idea to have some native trees, and the banksias were a good choice because they have a nice open form and attractive flowers. And none of the people who live across from where they’ve been planted objected to them.”
Mayor Peter Hemphill labelled the latest vandalism “thoughtless, sad and really disappointing”.
He said the trees would be replaced and additional trees planted with protective cages.
“These acts of vandalism are calculated and, unfortunately, seem to be on the rise with several parks and gardens targeted in the past 12 months,” Cr Hemphill said.
“These trees would have been valuable assets to the area, providing shade, adding to neighbourhood character and creating habitat to birds and other creatures.”
Tree vandalism can be reported to the council on 99321000.
Vandalism timeline
March 2016
Cyril Curtain Reserve, Williamstown: Six banksia trees destroyed.
December 2015
Williamstown Botanic Gardens: Four elm trees vandalised, and had to be removed.
Watt Street, Laverton: A number of young trees were severely burnt and had to be removed when vandals lit a fire.
August 2015
Carinza Avenue Reserve, Altona Meadows: Five ironbarks (eucalyptus sideroxylon) cut down.
Corner of Marion Street and Seventh Avenue, Altona North: One large gum tree cut down.
June 2015
Williamstown Botanic Gardens: Six Monterey cypresses (hesperocyparis macrocarpa) repeatedly vandalised.
February 2015
Esplanade, Altona: Two Norfolk Island pines (araucaria heterophylla) vandalised
