Senseless vandalism ruins streetscape
MEDIA RELEASE - Senseless vandalism ruins streetscape
November 2016
Sometime between Saturday, 5 November 2016 and Tuesday, 8 November 2016, seven trees were vandalised along O'Connor Street in Manjimup.Four trees had their trunks snapped and three were completely ripped out of the ground.
"It goes without saying that we're incredibly disappointed," said Shire President Wade DeCampo. "We have been making a conscious effort to beautify the streetscapes in all of our towns. This type of act, where people think they're pretty smart and that they're going to get some kind of kudos for vandalising a public asset, is not smart at all."
A total of 21 Pyrus Calleryana 'Bradford' trees were planted along O'Connor Street in the 2016 planting season which runs between June and August. This variety is a popular deciduous tree that is hardy and has a fast growth rate.
"This is a criminal act and it's not the first time that there have been trees damaged along O'Connor Street; there have been others broken and pulled out in the last few months as well. It is ironic that the public is causing damage to their own assets, I wonder if they would do this to trees on their own front lawn," said Cr DeCampo.
It is not possible to replant or rehabilitate any of the trees that were damaged. Cr DeCampo explained that this represents a cost to ratepayers as they now need to be replaced. "In addition, we're coming into the warmer weather now which means it is not a good time for planting. The trees will be replaced in 2017 but it is disappointing that the trees that have to be replaced will be out of sync with the others."
Anybody who witnessed the vandalism or is aware of who is responsible is encouraged to report the details to the Shire of Manjimup on 9771 7777 or by contacting the Manjimup Police Station on 9771 1000.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup.
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
Contact: 0427 094 081
