Illegal poisoning and lopping of trees on public land continues to cause concern in Surf Coast Shire, with Council officers referring cases to police for criminal investigation.
Council arborists investigating the failing health of two nature strip messmates in Glaneuse Avenue, Torquay, between Pomora Avenue and Flinders Lane, discovered 19mm holes drilled into the bases of the trees for suspected administering of poison.
Messmates are protected in Victoria and the trees have an estimated combined value of $11,181, including removal and replacement.
A further three messmates in a separate section of Glaneuse Avenue are also suspected to have died as a result of poisoning.
Tree vandals can face prosecution with maximum penalties including jail. A case in Anglesea in 2019 resulted in a conviction and fine of more than $20,000.
Other cases under Council investigation include:
- Suspected poisoning of one tree on Horseshoe Bend Road, Torquay
- Suspected poisoning of one tree in Ocean Outlook, Torquay
- Unauthorised removal of one tree in Centreside Drive, Torquay
Unauthorised pruning of a large gum in Loch Ard Drive, Torquay, recently resulted in issuing of an infringement notice by Council Rangers
The recent cases follow earlier instances of vandalism including:
- Lopping of a yellow gum in Spring Valley Drive, Torquay in August
- Poisoning of nature strip trees in Fisher Street, Torquay in July/August, and
- Felling of a gum at Rice Reserve, Mount Duneed, which was discovered in July
Police are hoping to hear from anyone who might have noticed suspicious activity around the two trees in Glaneuse Avenue, between Pomora Avenue and Flinders Lane, during the past six weeks.
People with information can phone Torquay Police on 5264.3400.
