The Trust, supported by the City of Melville, has erected a sign in front of damaged vegetation along The Esplanade, Mt Pleasant (near the intersection of Hawkins Street) to warn vandals that this type of destruction will not be tolerated.

It is the third sign of its type to be installed around the City’s foreshore in areas where foreshore vegetation has been deliberately damaged, most likely to get better views of the river. The first two were installed along Burke Drive, in Attadale, in late 2007 and early 2008.

The environmental damage along The Esplanade, Mt Pleasant, has involved limbs being cut off paperbark trees over a period of months. The decision to erect the sign was made after the City of Melville and Swan River Trust carried out investigations into the tree vandalism, including door knocking local properties to see if there were any witnesses.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the issue of trees being cut down along foreshores to improve views from residential properties was a problem for many councils. “The City of Melville will keep responding strongly to these selfish acts of vandalism until people realise it will not be tolerated,” he said. “We are again outraged at the damage and we will take the appropriate action to make sure we get the message across. The City understands that the people who have the sign in front of their house may not have been involved in the vandalism but we have to take a strong stance. The signs that have been installed will remain in place until the vegetation has regrown.”

Environmental Programs Manager Jessica Miller said trees being illegally cut down could reduce habitat for birds and animals and lead to erosion of foreshore areas. “It also affects the visual amenity of an area,” she said. “The Council and volunteer groups work tirelessly to restore and care for foreshore areas and this type of deliberate vandalism shows a complete disregard for the environment and the community’s efforts.”

The City of Melville is encouraging all residents to report any acts of environmental vandalism along the foreshore to the Swan River Trust on 9278 0900 or after hours on 0419 192 845.