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A View To Stopping Foreshore VandalismBass Coast Shire Council has investigated a deliberate act of vandalism which included the felling of at least 15 mature Coast Tea-trees located near the end of McHaffie Drive, Cowes during January. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 13th February 2009 - Back to News Council’s Coast and Bushland Management Officer, Derek Hibbert, said that Council had spoken to nearby landholders and appealed for public information but were unable to charge the perpetrators.
"Actions of coastal vandalism don’t go unnoticed," said Mr Hibbert.
"Council has erected a large sign, three metres wide by three metres high to try and discourage this kind of behaviour.
"The action taken by Council is important in educating the community about the importance of coastal vegetation."
The Phillip Island Foreshore is reserved for the protection and conservation of the coastline. Since European settlement, little more than 10 per cent of Phillip Island’s indigenous vegetation remains, much of which is in coastal reserves.
"Coastal vegetation plays an important role in providing habitat for native animals, stabilising sand dunes and protecting nearby assets such as houses and roads from the elements," explained Mr Hibbert.
"The natural values of the coast are also why most of us choose to live or visit the Bass Coast. That is why it is so important that we charge the perpetrators where we can.
"Unfortunately this can be difficult so we use the large signs to encourage the community to be vigilant, as well as trying to discourage any future acts of vandalism.
"Anyone thinking of destroying vegetation to improve their water view should think about what they ultimately may end up looking at," warned Mr Hibbert.
The sign will remain in place for a maximum of 24 months or as designated by an authorised officer.
"It really depends on what happens from here. If someone owns up to the offence and we are convinced that vegetation will regenerate without further interference, then the sign may be removed before this time," said Mr Hibbert.
There has been some concern expressed by nearby landolders that they are were not responsible for the vandalisation, but are being penalised by the erection of the sign. This matter was discussed on two occasions at recent Council meetings.
Cr Peter Paul said that he did not want to penalise anyone but the perpetrators, but this is the only measure that can bring about accountability.
"The vegetation felling has opened up water views to as many as seven dwellings," explained Cr Paul.
"The sign has been positioned so that it is in view off all of these dwellings, rather than singling out just some properties."
The site will also be replanted with indigenous plants during the coming winter in order to assist rehabilitation of the site.
These actions are in accordance with Council’s Vegetation Damage in Reserves Procedure for Action (2008) and a decision that was carried at the 17 December 2008 Council meeting.
Council is extremely concerned about any damage to vegetation and urges the community to contact the Environment team immediately on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) if they have concerns about vegetation being illegally removed.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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