Home Australia Several trees along a shoreline were deliberately poisoned to ‘improve the view’… the cheeky response from council is drawing praise

Several trees along a shoreline were deliberately poisoned to ‘improve the view’… the cheeky response from council is drawing praise

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Bayside Council blocked residents' coastal view with a shipping container (pictured) after trees were poisoned

A council has punished its residents by taking away their sea views after a series of mass tree poisonings.

Sydney’s Bayside Council, which covers major southeastern suburbs including Botany and Mascot, announced an investigation into the poisonings on Friday.

Until the council finds the culprit, it has placed a shipping container on the road in full view of the beach by residents.

“Sadly, trees along our coast have once again been poisoned and vandalized for the sake of a view,” a Bayside Council spokesperson said in a statement.

‘The Council is actively investigating these incidents and has quickly installed a shipping container on site to block the desired view.

“In addition, large signs will be posted to deter vandalism.”

While some locals were quick to label the bin an eyesore, the council assured locals it would be transformed into a mural.

“Artist David Cragg will create another stunning mural on this shipping container to ensure our area remains a vibrant and welcoming space,” the spokesperson said.

Bayside Council blocked residents’ coastal view with a shipping container (pictured) after trees were poisoned

“This work will begin early next week.”

Several commentators applauded the council’s strategic move.

“Don’t paint the shipping containers, let the culprits see an eyesore,” one wrote.

‘What’s wrong with people who feel the need to poison trees so they can enjoy a view! “It makes me angry and sad at the same time,” said another.

“Install some public toilets there,” joked another.

However, others were not impressed by the council’s pettiness.

‘Punishing the rest of the community for someone else’s crime is unfair. Please investigate the matter further without asking the community to put up with this unnecessary container,” one of them said.

“The shipping containers look horrible and no one owns the view, not even the city,” wrote another.

Several Norfolk pine trees were poisoned and destroyed (pictured) in March last year.

Several Norfolk pine trees were poisoned and destroyed (pictured) in March last year.

Bayside Council warned that poisoning trees is a criminal offence.

‘Destruction of property, including trees, is a criminal offence. Violators can face serious criminal charges and fines ranging from $3,000 to $1 million,” he said.

“If anyone has information about vegetation vandalism, please call Crime Stoppers.”

The announcement followed another tree poisoning in the electorate last year.

Bayside Council shared a series of photographs in March showing several dying Norfolk pine trees.

To make matters worse, a vandalist had painted the trees with the word “poisoned.”

“We are aware of several cases of tree vandalism along Grand Parade, where some very important Norfolk pines are in decline, along with a number of Banksia trees in nearby parkland,” Bayside Council said.

“Our team continues to monitor the trees while awaiting test results that will help determine the best course of action to save them.”

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