City Outraged About Poisoned Trees

Parks and Environment Manager Ian Davis said one of the trees was on a City of Melville roadside verge, while the other two trees were on private property. “The three trees appear to have been drilled and poisoned with a chemical in a malicious attempt to destroy them,” he said. “We believe the trees were initially poisoned in the last month, however residents discovered the drill holes just days ago.”

Mr Davis said he could not believe that someone would want to destroy the beautiful eucalypts. “These are mature trees that have been around for decades and they could be gone with one selfish attack,” he said. “The City has sealed the holes in the trees so that chemicals can no longer be poured in. We just have to hope that blocking the holes and asking residents to keep a look-out will help save them.”

Mayor Russell Aubrey shared the outrage of residents and urged the community to maintain a watchful eye on the trees. “The City of Melville prides itself on its attractive tree-lined streets and we want to keep it that way,” he said. “At an estimated age of 30 to 40 years, the attack was a senseless one and if the trees die, it will have a significant impact on the appearance of the street. We need residents to band together and be highly aware of the activities on their street so that further acts like this can be avoided. The City will prosecute for criminal damage any party found to have damaged the City’s tree stock.”

The incident on Pickering Way is the second attack on trees in the City of Melville after vandals destroyed several trees in Leeming on Australia Day.

If residents see any suspicious behaviour or attempts to vandalise trees or other property, they are encouraged to report the details to the City’s Community Safety and Security (CSS) Service or the police.  

To report vandalism contact CSS on 1300 653 643 or the police non-emergency number 131 444.