Council concerned by tree vandalism

By Tyler Maher

Sep 16, 2022

Senseless: Tree vandalism in Kialla continues.

Vandalism of juvenile trees in Kialla has been described as “costly and disappointing” by Greater Shepparton City Council.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Nine juvenile jacaranda trees in Ganaway Reserve, Kialla, have had their main stem snapped off.

But it is not the first instance of senseless vandalism in the area.

Over the past two years the same juvenile trees in Ganaway Reserve have been specifically targeted and deliberately vandalised by individuals.

Council manager parks, sport and recreation Tim Zak said this level of vandalism had 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,” Mr Zak said.

“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.

“There is also a cost associated with the vandalism; the cost to replace the trees including the staff time and the delay in achieving our 40 per cent canopy cover under the 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.”

For more information on the Urban Forest Strategy visit https://greatershepparton.com.au/council/major-projects/urban-forest-strategy