Bundaberg Regional Council is currently investigating the poisoning of two mature trees and surrounding vegetation on the Bargara Esplanade.
Following reports from concerned members of the community, Council officers located the site of the deliberate attack in the grassed area beside the timber boardwalk.
The two Casuarina equisetifolia (Coastal She-oaks) trees had been drilled and injected with a substantial amount of herbicide, resulting in their poisoning.
Divisional representative Cr Larine-Statham Blair said the large quantity of poison used had also caused the surrounding grassed area to die off, creating further damage.
“It’s extremely disappointing and upsetting to see such a reckless and deliberate act of vandalism targeting our natural environment,” she said.
“These trees are an integral part of the Bargara Esplanade, providing shade, beauty, and habitat for local wildlife.”
Council is also investigating the adjacent sand dunes which appear to have been affected by poison.
“This act not only damages the area visually and environmentally but also undermines years of work by Council and the community to protect and enhance our coastal ecosystems,” Cr Statham-Blair said.
“This is a serious issue, and those responsible must be held accountable.
“However, we must also be careful not to assign blame without justification, particularly based on assumptions about the proximity of properties.”
Council is continuing investigations and enforcement action may be taken regarding incident.
Both trees, once removed, will be replaced with the same species, Casuarina equisetifolia .
To those who poisoned the trees in Bargara..Karma will get you. Leave trees alone unless there is a danger to the community
Some unscrupulous persons in Sydney, did something similar, poisoned trees, perhaps due to them hindering a view. Council’s answer – the placement of two enormous containers.! Haha. They will remain until the new trees have matured. Perhaps Bundaberg regional Council, could take a leaf out of Sydney’s book.
I am also concerned for any dogs that are roaming in the area where there is poison. Inconsiderate and selfish those who have done this.
If they find the low lives they will be let off with a letter “don’t do it again” This has happened to me. Despite numerous photos of my poisoned beautiful tree and police visits both legal parties got together and sent the letter to the offender. The solicitors pocketed the fees of course.
This happened quite regularly along the Sunshine Coast coastal stretch and was often caused by adjacent property owners affected by obscured views. Interested to see if any are up for sale in the coming weeks.
Do what they do in Hervey Bay, Install a huge bill board, telling the community that these tress were poisoned, ,with new trees planted, that the bill board will be removed when these young trees are fully grown. Why should they go unpunished
One just come from beautiful Bargara.. I am horrified to read this act… Perhaps it’s been done to get a better view? . Shame on you if that’s the reason . karma will come..
I totally like the idea of placing containers or large billboards in vandalised areas,I don’t think you have to be an oxford scholar to work out what’s going on here, and really it just goes to show how selfish some people can be, trying to take ownership of a view, crikey you gotta be sick.
None of us really like the idea of cameras going up but what a saving if we could just easily identify the offender. I hope some of the surrounding premises have cameras. What an unnecessary cost to all us rate payers!!! Thanks for investigating. I hope the offender pays for more than just the cost. I have many beautiful memories from that area of cool shade, listening to the wind in the she oakes, watching the water.
the placement of huge billboards is the way to go
please find out if any properties have cameras
there goes some beautiful shade for quite a few years
How about just investigate who gets the best view if the tree weren’t there!