Environment News

The City of Bayswater has taken a stand against tree vandals by painting a dead street tree bright yellow after finding drill holes in its roots.

The City of Bayswater Mayor Barry McKenna said this type of behaviour was totally unacceptable. 

"The killing of street trees in our City is not acceptable.

"Individuals who think this sort of behaviour is ok are sadly mistaken.

"Street trees enhance the look and character of our local streets, provide much needed shade in summer and habitat for local wildlife. Tree killers are depriving our community of the benefits trees provide. 

"Enough is enough. Tree vandalism is a criminal offence and a very serious matter," Mayor McKenna said.

The vandalised Queenland Box tree was located within the road reserve on the corner of Guildford Road and Crowther Street, Bayswater. Holes had been drilled into the tree's exposed roots and the tree had subsequently perished.

In response to the poisoning of the street tree Council voted at its meeting on Tuesday 12 July to paint the tree yellow and erect a sign advising passersby of its vandalism.

"We wanted to send a strong message to tree vandals that the poisoning of the street tree on the corner of Guildford Road and Crowther Street had not gone unnoticed.

"Painting the poisoned street tree yellow will not please everyone but it sends a clear message to tree vandals that this sort of behaviour is cowardly, selfish and will not be tolerated.

"The City of Bayswater doubled its funding for street trees this financial year from $200,000 to $400,000 as part of its commitment to increase the City's canopy coverage. We cannot stand by and watch all of our hard work destroyed.

"This was a deliberate and selfish act that affects the whole community," Mayor McKenna said.

The City has written to residents in the vicinity asking them to vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour. A replacement street tree will be planted in the vicinity of the poisoned tree.