Wollongong Council wants to hear from anyone with information about tree vandalism at Towradgi this week. Photo: Wollongong Council.
Vandals have again targeted Norfolk Island pines at Towradgi, cutting down three trees between the surf club and the rock pool.
In 2021, vandals struck twice in a fortnight, destroying two Norfolk pines and poisoning 10 others between Corrimal Surf Club and the Towradgi playground. Wollongong City Council replaced the trees and installed large signs as a visual reminder that tree vandalism would not be tolerated.
Ironically, the council was about to remove those signs before the latest attack on Monday (11 September).
The council is calling on residents to share any information about the vandalism.
Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery described it as “a selfish and brazen act of destruction of community property”.
“We’re deeply disappointed to have to share this news with our community who we know love and value trees in public spaces,’’ he said.
“Anyone who has read the long-range weather forecast will understand how valuable shade will be along our highly used foreshore reserves and shared paths as we move into what is expected to be a hot summer.
“We’re frustrated by ongoing tree vandalism incidents like this in Towradgi and encourage anyone with information to contact council or NSW Police. Someone must know something.
“By destroying the trees, the perpetrator has robbed our community of some trees that were to provide shade into the future and community money that funds the planting, care and maintenance of these trees. As a result, we will likely install new trees along with signage in this location to make it abundantly clear to the perpetrator and our community that we take this matter seriously.
“We’re calling on anyone who knows anything about this latest incident to contact the council.
“Despite what people may assume, we don’t always have CCTV footage in natural spaces, so we do rely on residents who live nearby to share information with council or the police.”
If you have information that could assist in the investigation, contact Wollongong Council on 4227 7111 or Wollongong Police on 4226 7899.
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