Illegal Vegetation Damage Consultation - Point Vernon

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  • Media Release - Monday 27 April 2020

    Help shape Council’s response to tree destruction

    Fraser Coast residents are being asked for their feedback on how Council should deal with the destruction of trees in its parks and reserves.

    The call for feedback follows the poisoning of a section of trees between the Esplanade and Mant Street in Point Vernon.

    “Council had proposed to use 2.1-metre-high temporary fencing to cordon off the area as it rehabilitated the site and act as a billboard to raise community awareness about illegal vegetation damage,” Cr David Lewis said.

    “The proposal generated informal feedback through Councillors and staff.

    “Some residents of Mant Street supported the proposal, some did not. Residents from other areas also expressed similar views.

    “As a result, Council resolved the project was to be put on hold so we could undertake further formal community consultation.”

    Due to COVID-19 restrictions, and pop-up forums and open days planned as part of a community survey cannot be held.

    “We will now use our online engagement website, an online survey and online activities with key stakeholder groups,” Cr Lewis said.

    The survey is available on frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/ and will close on Friday, May 22.

    “Residents will be able to log on to view the project information and what was proposed and leave feedback by completing the survey,” Cr Lewis said.

    In a report to the January Council meeting it was estimated that it would cost $40,000, spread over four years, to rehabilitate the Mant Street site.

    That included the soil testing which pinpointed the poisoning, replanting and establishing the new trees, fencing and the information hoarding.

    The fencing was needed to stop people accessing the site, which is contaminated with herbicide, as they could be hurt by branches falling from the dead trees.

    It was proposed that the fencing would remain until the new vegetation reached the same height as the fence.

    The fencing was to be wrapped with a printed cover explaining that illegal vegetation damage had occurred at the location, information about the importance of native vegetation and the contact details for Council to report suspicious activities.

    ENDS