Call for witnesses to report on tree vandalism at Towradgi

Wollongong City Council is calling for residents to share any information they may have about a recent tree vandalism incident in Towradgi.

On Monday 11 September, Council staff discovered three Norfolk Island Trees that once stood between the Towradgi Surf Club and rock pool had been cut down.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that this was a selfish and brazen act of destruction of community property.

“We’re deeply disappointed to have to share this news with our community who we know love and value trees in public spaces,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“Anyone who has read the long-range weather forecast will understand how valuable shade will be along our highly used foreshore reserves and shared paths as we move into what is expected to be a hot summer.

“What’s especially sad is that we were nearing the point in time when we were planning on removing the tree vandalism signs on the other side of Towradgi Park.

“We’re frustrated by ongoing tree vandalism incidents like this in Towradgi and encourage anyone with information to contact Council or NSW Police. Someone must know something.”

In 2021, several Norfolk Island Pine Trees were poisoned. Council replaced the trees and installed large signs to serve as a visual reminder that tree vandalism of any kind will not be tolerated.

Read more in Council’s media release: “Devastating news as further tree vandalism discovered in Towradgi”.

“By destroying the trees, the perpetrator has robbed our community of some trees that were to provide shade into the future and community money that funds the planting, care and maintenance of these trees. As a result we will likely install new trees along with signage in this location to make it abundantly clear to the perpetrator and our community that we take this matter seriously,” Cr Bradbery said.

“We’re calling on anyone who knows anything about this latest incident to contact Council. Despite what people may assume, we don’t always have CCTV footage in natural spaces, so we do rely on residents who live nearby to share information with Council or the Police.”