VEGETATION SIGNS TO DETER VANDALS
27 November, 2006
Sign Up for free e-mail updates!
Brisbane City Council today agreed to install large signs in places where it could be proven that vegetation on Council land had been deliberately damaged or destroyed.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Councillor Helen Abrahams, said Council's new Vegetation Destruction Signage Policy was designed to reduce the incidence of unlawful damage to trees and vegetation.
"The incidences of illegal removal, destruction or damage to trees and other vegetation on Council land has increased significantly over the past four years," Cr Abrahams said.
"Vegetation is destroyed or damaged for a number of reasons, ranging from vandalism to deliberately planned acts carried out for private benefit, such as the enhancement of views or to create trail or mountain bike tracks through bushland.
"In high risk areas such as the Sandgate and Shorncliffe escarpment, Council has investigated at least 10 separate incidents in the past two years alone.
"Each of these incidents has also contributed to serious erosion which has led to long-term problems."
Cr Abrahams said the experience of other local government authorities in southeast Queensland indicated that installation of large signs in places of damaged or destroyed vegetation were a successful deterrent to people considering similar action elsewhere.
"Under the new policy, the signs will feature strongly worded warnings about illegal clearing and remain at the site of the damaged vegetation for at least two years," Cr Abrahams said.
"Replacement vegetation will be planted at the same time, which will then become established while the sign in is place.
"Vegetation on Council land is an important environmental asset which belongs to the Brisbane community and must be protected."
For more information on the Vegetation Destruction Signage Policy, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone 3403 8888.