Vegetation Vandals Hit New Low

Reports of vegetation vandalism in and around our Shire are traditionally rare and isolated instances, because we are a community that wants to protect and enhance the beauty of the natural environment we are lucky to share and call home.

Unfortunately, there has recently been numerous examples of vegetation vandalism to public and private property, which is very disappointing because the bad behaviour of a few people directly affects us as a community and reflects poorly on our town.

Specifically, vandals have been targeting public gardens and landscaping works in Main Street, Church Street, Oak Street and north Bellingen’s Wheatley Street Roundabout with feature trees, plants and shrubs either destroyed or ripped out of garden beds.

Numerous instances of plant poisonings have also been observed, and the illegal dumping of garden waste, lawn and pruning clippings in public gardens and landscaping works has unfortunately become a regular occurrence.

Council crews, community members and Main Street traders have collectively cleaned up the mess left behind by these careless vandals and private and public surveillance cameras are currently being checked to try and identify the culprits.

These instances of vegetation vandalism have also been referred to the Police and anyone with further information is urged to contact Bellingen Police on 6655 1444.