Randwick Council warns of fines for tree poisoning

A council in Australia has issued a warning about the serious consequences of poisoning public trees. People caught vandalizing trees could face fines of up to $3,800. This warning follows several incidents of tree damage on Cromwell Place in Malabar, Sydney. The most recent case involved a young tree with drill holes at its base. This marks the fourth reported act of tree vandalism in the area over the last two years. Margaret Hogg, a campaigner for tree protection, stated that tree poisoning is becoming a common issue throughout Australia. She expressed concern over the motivations behind such destructive actions, noting that some people view trees as a nuisance. Randwick Council is taking tree vandalism seriously. They investigate each incident and can prosecute offenders. According to a council spokesperson, those found guilty may face significant fines. The council has been addressing tree damage since November 2023, when they first learned of the drill holes in a tree. After several reports, the council has undertaken measures to ensure safety for remaining trees. They pruned the dead trees and installed signs to inform the public about the vandalism. New trees were also planted in June 2024. Margaret Hogg praised the council for their efforts and urged them to continue their work against tree vandals. She mentioned that the community cares about preserving urban trees for future generations. In Australia, the maximum fine for serious tree violations can reach $1 million, but fines issued by councils are generally lower. In Sydney, the maximum fine for tree vandalism is $3,000, and in Melbourne, it is $3,800. Other states have lower penalties.