October 29th 2024.
Over the past weekend, a shocking incident of vandalism has left a Melbourne council pleading for witnesses to come forward. Nearly 200 young trees and shrubs were illegally cut down in eight parks and reserves in the south-east area of the city. The affected areas include well-known locations such as Caulfield Park, Boyd Park, and Packer Park, all of which are under the care of Glen Eira City Council.
According to the council, the vandals targeted the trees between Friday and Sunday, using various methods to cause damage. Some trees were snapped at their base, while others were cut with a hand saw or even ripped out of the ground. The council expressed their extreme disappointment and disgust at the deliberate destruction of these trees, which they consider to be a valuable part of the community.
In their official statement, the council shared that some of the trees were rare and may not be able to be replaced. This includes the Red Gums at Boyd Park, which were grown from seeds collected from the very trees that were removed to make way for the Murrumbeena train station. The estimated cost of the damage is close to $200,000, which will ultimately be paid for by the ratepayers.
The council has already taken action by filing a police report and initiating an investigation into the matter. Those responsible for this senseless act of vandalism could face serious consequences, including up to 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $218,000 for criminal damage. It is a reminder of the seriousness of this crime and the impact it has on the community.
In June, Glen Eira City Council was recognized as a "Tree City of the World" for their commitment to increasing the tree canopy in the municipality from 12.5% to 22% by 2040. This incident is a setback to their efforts and has left the council deeply troubled. "This destruction not only breaks the law, but it also undermines our push to increase Glen Eira's tree canopy," the council stated.
The affected parks and reserves are Caulfield Park, Marara Reserve, Princes Park, EE Gun Reserve, Packer Park, Boyd Park, Mallanbool Reserve, and Rosanna Street Reserve. The council is urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious behavior in these areas between October 25 and 24 to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. It is only with the help of the community that those responsible for this heinous act can be brought to justice. Let us work together to protect and preserve our green spaces for future generations.
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