Victoria’s Macedon Ranges Shire Council has been left shocked following the vandalism of three young trees in the Gisborne Botanic Gardens last weekend, that at maturity would have become a significant addition to the gardens.
Mayor, Jennifer Anderson said she was extremely dismayed and failed to understand the motivation behind the senseless act of destruction.
“It is disappointing that such a thoughtless act can destroy such lovely young trees and put the progress of the planting back almost two years,” she said.
“The vandalised trees, two Water Gum (Tristaniopsis laurina) and one Maidenhair (Ginkgo biloba) were planted in the last 18 months by Council as part of the implementation of recommendations of the Gisborne Botanic Gardens masterplan.”
“From all reports the trees were growing well and we have been receiving positive feedback from members of the public of ‘they will look good in time’. Unfortunately, we will have to go back to square one and replace them at significant extra cost during the 2022 planting season.
“The vandalism has been reported to the Gisborne Police and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward,” she said.
The Gisborne Botanic Gardens were officially opened 25 years ago and since then have become a favourite location for local residents and visitors due the diverse plant collection. Council’s Master Plan provides a guide for future improvement, development, management, operation and programming/activation for the gardens.
