A South Coast council is calling on residents to protect trees and other vegetation. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Put the pruning shears away and resist the temptation to tamper with foliage, a South Coast council has urged.
Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) says Eurobodalla’s seaside trees and shrubs are being brazenly cut or poisoned.
Council’s coordinator of environmental health and compliance Noel Fuller said vandalising vegetation should be seen in the same light as attacking any other public asset.
“Poisoning a tree is the same as spraying graffiti on a toilet block or smashing a park bench,” he said.
“By removing seaside vegetation you are losing food, shelter and breeding sites for small birds and mammals, and increasing the risk of weeds and erosion.
“In fact, frequently targeted vegetation includes listed vulnerable ecosystems like coastal heath, which persists in areas between homes and the ocean. Clearing for views takes from these valuable remnant ecosystems. Once they are gone, they’re gone.”
Some vegetation clearing or pruning doesn’t need third-party approval – but others do, depending on factors such as location (including lot sizes), if the vegetation is a risk to humans and whether it’s in a bushfire-prone area.
According to the council’s website, people can apply to the council or seek permission from the Native Vegetation Panel, depending on their circumstances.
The council has an online decision tool to help people determine what approvals (if any) they need for vegetation clearing.
Viewing screens are also installed to help prevent further vegetation clearing. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
Mr Fuller said ESC installed view screens at sites where trees had been illegally removed to stop further removals.
“View blocking screens are left in place until vegetation is restored through natural regeneration – this can take several years,” he said.
“It’s not something we want to do, but in the absence of an identified offender it’s the most effective way to deter further damage and protect the area.
Penalties for illegally clearing or injuring native vegetation on public land are significant, with on-the-spot fines for breaking branches, sawing limbs or trimming for views.
The council warns that if matters proceed to court, the penalties are more serious.
“We also encourage the community to dob in any suspected tree vandalism as it happens,” Mr Fuller said.
“Reporting in real time means we can actively protect biodiversity – a quick call can make all the difference.”
People can report acts of tree vandalism to Eurobodalla Shire Council rangers on (02) 4474 1019.
For more information on tree and vegetation removal (including the approvals process), people can visit the council’s website.
