A warning has been issued to Malabar residents, stating that individuals caught poisoning public trees could face fines of up to $3,000. This comes after multiple incidents of tree vandalism in the area, with several trees deliberately damaged using drill holes.
Trees Under Threat
Tree vandalism has become a growing problem in Sydney, with four separate incidents reported in the past two years. The latest case involved a young tree on Cromwell Place, Malabar, being damaged with drill holes at its base. Local officials responsible for managing public greenery in the eastern suburbs have labelled tree poisoning a serious offence.
The first incident occurred in November 2023, when council staff discovered drill holes in a tree. A month later, two more Queensland Brushbox trees were vandalised. To address the issue, council workers performed ‘habitat pruning’ on the damaged trees in April 2024, ensuring the safety of the area while leaving trunks and main branches to provide a habitat for wildlife.
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Why Are Trees Being Targeted?
Margaret Hogg from Saving Sydney’s Trees has called for stronger action, highlighting that tree poisoning is becoming increasingly common in waterfront suburbs. She condemned the acts as selfish and ignorant, expressing support for the city authorities’ proactive stance on the matter.
Local officials have continued their efforts to restore the area by planting new scribbly gum trees in June 2024. However, suspected vandalism of these new trees was reported just five months later. In response, additional signage was installed to warn residents and potential vandals.
Voices of Concern
Residents and campaigners alike have expressed frustration at the repeated damage. Ms Hogg praised the authorities’ commitment to protecting the urban forest, emphasising the need for continued vigilance and community involvement to prevent further vandalism.
Legal Actions and Penalties
Under New South Wales law, the maximum fine for illegal tree removal can reach $1 million if the Land and Environment Court deems it severe. However, in Sydney, it is limited to issuing fines up to $3,000. In comparison, Melbourne councils can issue fines of up to $3,800, while other states, such as Western Australia, have significantly lower penalties.
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Protecting Malabar’s Green Spaces
The council’s commitment to tackling tree vandalism in Malabar remains strong, with continued efforts to replant and protect public greenery. As authorities call on the community to help safeguard urban trees, the message is clear: acts of tree vandalism will not be tolerated.
Published 29-Mar-2025