Two Tuart trees in Drummond Cove showing signs of having been tampered with may be the latest victims of environmental vandalism in Windward Park.
City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Officer Ken Diehm said he was saddened the trees may have been poisoned and that this wasn’t the first time trees in the Park had died under mysterious circumstances.
“Regrettably, one of these estimated 100 year-old trees has died and will need to be removed while the other is showing symptoms of poisoning which could be the result of what looks to be drill holes in both of their trunks,” he said.
“A couple of years ago, two other trees in Windward Park also died under mysterious circumstances and sadly, had to be removed,” he said.
Drummond Cove Progress Association President Gavin Hirschhausen agreed there has been an increase in community members taking matters into their own hands.
“There has been an escalation of people taking matters into their own hands,” he said.
“Its actions like this that causes fragmentation within the neighbourhood and doesn't help the wider community when we look to Council to support projects that will benefit all of Drummond Cove.”
According to Mr Diehm the trees will be replaced as they play an important role in the liveability of the City.
“All trees are important, especially in Geraldton’s semi-arid climate, and we need to do all we can to preserve the ones we have and plant more to increase the liveability of the City,” Mr Diehm said.
“I find it very disheartening that anyone would tamper with these beautiful old trees which will now need to be removed at rate payers expense.”
One of the trees was removed and the other pruned of its dead limbs on Wednesday 7 December 2016. The cost to remove the trees and make the area safe again was approximately $5000. The City will also spend additional funds to replace the trees.
PICTURE: Drummond Cove Progress Association President Gavin Hirschhausen points to what appears to be a drill hole in the trunk of one of the dying trees in Windward Park.
