Vandals destroyed 28 newly planted trees at Cyril Curtain Reserve in Williamstown last month, causing more than $10,000 in damage. Hobsons Bay council says the cost, including replacements, will exceed $12,000. The trees were destroyed in two separate incidents in September and were among 51 advanced coastal banksias planted behind the Williamstown Cricket Ground. The incident has been reported to police. Mayor Diana Grima said the loss of years of growth was disappointing, and the council hopes education will prevent future incidents.
A court has ordered a landowner and builder to pay $30,000 in fines and costs over the poisoning of a protected Sydney Blue Gum tree in Malvern East. The City of Stonnington says a council investigation found the tree had been poisoned through 49 drill holes. The tree has since been removed. The landowner must plant a replacement Lemon-scented Gum at least four metres tall and maintain it. Mayor Melina Sehr said the case shows why planning controls protecting significant trees matter.
A record 90 schools have planted almost 4000 trees through the Trees for Schools program, including Daraweit Guim Primary School. Greater Western Water aims to increase tree cover, reduce stormwater run-off to waterways, improve green spaces and teach students about the benefits of trees. Greater Western Water strategy and partnerships general manager Kessia Thomson said trees release water vapour that becomes rainfall and their roots help strengthen soil. The program began in 2021 with 22 schools.
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Land developers are clearing greenery from new Perth estates, leaving up to 98 per cent of some suburbs without trees. The WA Tree Canopy Advocates says this creates heat islands and forces residents to use more air-conditioning. Chair Sarah Allchurch wants planning rules changed so mature trees must be retained during subdivisions. The State Government points to new residential codes and a 30 per cent canopy target. Developers say trees must be balanced against housing affordability and other requirements.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has criticised a $22 million NSW Government plan to convert a southbound Botany Road lane in Waterloo into a morning peak bus lane. Moore argues the project would encroach on the footpath and tree canopy, and that road widening is being presented as a bus improvement. Transport for NSW says Botany Road is a key bus corridor and that the changes aim to ease congestion and improve bus reliability at the McEvoy Street intersection.
