UP TO 40 trees on the Bicton and Applecross foreshores have been “vandalised” in the last year, costing ratepayers hundreds of dollars in replacement and maintenance fees. 

According to the City of Melville, bushland around the Bicton, Attadale, and Applecross foreshores are “tree vandalism hotspots” which have been targeted regularly in the last year. 

A particular spot at Blackwall Reach Reserve, pictured, has been targeted multiple times, and the City has had to replace the tree twice: the last tree was cut off from the base. 

City of Melville foreshore leader Jamie Davies says the maintenance team are “at a loss” as to why the young trees continue to be targeted, despite widespread community support for the planting. 

• Melville’s Foreshore Team leader Jamie Davies having to put up another sign after more tree vandalism.

“Considering there is little chance that they will interrupt views, [the trees] complement existing mature native trees on the foreshore and don’t create any other foreseeable inconvenience,” Mr Davies said. 

“There are already well-established trees on the foreshore, and we get no complaints about those.” 

The City has taken to putting up signs around the affected bushland, detailing the age of each tree vandalised and how much it cost to maintain and replace. 

According to Melville CEO Gail Bowman, community surveys regarding the City’s Foreshore Management Plan have generally been positive, and 75 per cent of respondents were supportive of increased foreshore vegetation, which is why the widespread vandalism is so puzzling. 

“We are very much doing what the majority of the community wants,” Ms Bowman said. 

“We acknowledge the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural environment, and we need the community’s help to do this.”

Ms Bowman says each tree costs the City approximately $450 to purchase and upkeep, and that the leafy victims were targeted to clear “sight lines” despite assurances that the trees will not interrupt views of the foreshore. 

“We can tell the difference between vandalism that’s done by trampling or snapping branches by people walking past versus vandalism to maintain views,” Ms Bowman said. 

“They are quite distinct, [because] vandalism for views tend to be much more precise and targeted with clear cuts, drill holes, or poison.” 

Ms Bowman says the pointed signage is “absolutely” used to deter further incidents, as well as to raise public awareness. 

“The signs are our way of generating conversations about the issue and letting culprits know, that we know what they are doing.” 

Anyone who witnesses tree vandalism along the Bicton, Attadale, or Applecross foreshore is encouraged to contact the City of Melville directly.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER