Nine juvenile Jacaranda trees have had their main stems snapped off in what is a repeat vandalism attack on the trees, Greater Shepparton City Council revealed today.
Council says that over the past two years the same juvenile trees in Ganaway Reserve, Kialla, have been specifically targeted and deliberately vandalised by individuals.
Council’s Manager Parks, Sport and Recreation, Tim Zak said the level of vandalism has not been seen anywhere else in the municipality since the Urban Forest Strategy began in 2017.
“The Arboriculture staff who plant the trees take great pride in their work,” said Mr Zak.
“They are so disappointed to see this type of anti-social and destructive behaviour from certain individuals. It is hard to understand the motive behind the damage and what they have to gain.
“The community of Kialla around Ganaway Reserve is missing out on having shade trees added to their neighbourhood. All this does is set back the time it takes for new trees to be planted and established.”
Mr Zak said the vandalism was costly to Council and a delay to it achieving a 40% canopy cover under its Urban Forest Strategy.
“Council will continue to replant in this area until successful in establishment. If any members of the community have any information regarding this matter can you please make contact with the Shepparton Police,” he said.
