Tree Vandilsm at Mersey Point

Damage to the trees is believed to have occurred between six to eight weeks ago, with the trees and subsequent shade they provided to the car park now destroyed.

The cost of removing and replacing the dead trees, as well as significant earthworks associated with removing roots from underneath the surface of the carpark is expected to cost $50,000 to $60,000.    City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels condemned the shocking display of vandalism and called for anyone with information to come forward.

“It is extremely disappointing to see vandals ruin so many beautiful trees which have been a part of the landscape at Mersey Point for a number of years,” Mayor Sammels said.

“Mersey Point is one of the City’s busiest car parks, with many residents and visitors often parking there before they go to the beach or take the ferry across to Penguin Island.

“Not only do senseless acts of vandalism cost the City a lot of money, they are also detrimental to the efforts undertaken through the City’s Greening Plan, which is focused on improving the City’s green canopy.

“I encourage anyone with information on this matter to contact either the City or Crime Stoppers.” Removal of the dead trees will begin early in the New Year, with replacement trees expected to be planted in mid-2019.

Signage will also be installed at the site informing visitors of the damage caused.

Anyone with information on the vandalism of the trees at Mersey Point is urged to contact the City on 9528 0333 or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. 

​Image: Thirteen trees in the car park at Mersey Point have died following serious acts of vandalism. Picture: City of Rockingham.