Trees poisoned in North Coogee

The City of Cockburn's response to Cockburn Gazette on 19 February, 2020 about trees poisoned in North Coogee - 

Question: What has actually happened to the trees? As I understand, someone has drilled into the trees and poured some sort of poison into the trees, is this correct?

Answer: Yes, our consultant arborist has confirmed the trees were poisoned via holes drilled into them.

Question: Does the City know what type of poison has been used, and how quickly it affected the tress? Are they beyond rescue at this point?

Answer: The trees have been dead since early August 2019. It is unknown what chemical was used to kill the trees.

Question: When was the last time the trees were healthy? How often are the trees inspected?

Answer: The trees were alive in July 2019. Our Parks Supervisor regularly inspects the garden beds and trees in the area.

Question: When was council made aware of the poisoned trees? I spoke to Cr Eva about the issue last year in August, but has there been another known incident since then?

Answer: The City was made aware of the poisoned trees in early August. We are not aware of any other incidences.

Question: What actions and measures has council taken since the reports they were being harmed?

Answer: The City has met with surrounding residents and expressed concern about the vandalised trees. Residents have been advised the dead trees will remain in place until they become a safety hazard and then they will be removed. Replacement trees will be planted and should these be poisoned or vandalised, we would seek Council support to install signage.

Question: What actions can council take if they discover the culprit?

Answer: It is an offence under the City of Cockburn local laws Section 3.3 (r) to remove or destroy any tree. Fines apply.

Question: Are you able to tell me what type of trees the poisoned ones are?

Answer: They are Eucalyptus gomphocephala, more commonly known as Tuarts. Tuart communities are becoming endangered on the Swan Coastal Plain.

Question: If a culprit is found, would there be an avenue for the City to get the police involved and file charges?

Answer: It is an offence under the City of Cockburn local laws Section 3.3 (r) to remove or destroy any tree. Fines apply. There may be other avenues to pursue if our local laws were not enough of a deterrent.

Question: Does the City have an estimate on how long it might take for the trees to completely die off?

Answer: The trees are dead. They will remain in place until deemed unsafe by an arborist.

Question: Are you able to tell me how much the fine would be?

Answer: In this instance, because it would be treated as malicious damage and in a high profile area we would actually prosecute (take them to court) and the fine could be several thousand dollars and possibly a criminal conviction.