Council has been notified of vegetation vandalism along the Queenscliff foreshore on The Esplanade. The affected area contains important coastal vegetation that helps stabilise dunes and provides habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The damaged vegetation includes Moonah trees (Melaleuca lanceolata) within Coastal Moonah Woodlands, a threatened vegetation community listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Concerned residents have reported rough cutting and broken branches where native vegetation appears to have been deliberately reduced in height. Previous incidents in nearby areas have involved tree deaths suspected to be caused by poisoning.
Council will issue notices to the surrounding neighbourhood and install a sign measuring at least 2.0 meters x 1.5 metres near the affected area to draw attention to the vandalism and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
The incident has been reported to DEECA Conservation Regulators and Victoria Police.
If you have any information regarding this act of vandalism, or future vegetation vandalism on Crown land, please report the incident immediately to Council.
We thank you for your cooperation in ensuring our native vegetation remains protected.
