Poisoned trees no laughing matter

Sunshine Coast Council is calling on the community to help find who is responsible for poisoning two mature, native trees along the Golden Beach foreshore.

Following toxicology testing, council has confirmed the Horse-tail She-oak (Casuarina equisetifolia) and Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardiodes) were both poisoned after Glyphosate (aka Roundup) was?injected via numerous large drill holes.

Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer said council was taking this matter very seriously and would follow through any leads and prosecute to the full extent of the law.

"A comprehensive investigation to find the perpetrator or perpetrators is now underway," he said.

"We are working closely with the local police in the investigation and call on the local community to please come forward with any information that may help us find those responsible.

"It is important to note, in line with council's Aboricultural Services Operational Procedures, should the trees require removal, they will be replaced immediately with the addition of appropriately sized screens that reflect and acknowledge the size of the trees that had to be removed.

"The screens shall remain in place during the establishment phase, until the replacement trees are on their way to growing and being able to withstand the natural elements that the Golden Beach Esplanade presents."

If convicted under the new local laws for poisoning a tree, offenders can face fines up to $85,000, in addition to being liable for costs to compensate the community for the monetary value of the tree and costs associated with removal and replacement of the vegetation.

Cr Dwyer said council aborists will continue to monitor the trees and will remove the trees?if they die?or?become hazardous as a result of?the poisoning.?

"In some situations, vigorous trees are able to overcome poisoning and at this stage it is not known whether the trees will recover or not," he said.

"There are no ameliorative options available to assist the trees in overcoming the effects of poison so it is currently a waiting game for council?and the community."

If you have any information regarding this matter, contact council during office hours on 5475 7272.