Chelsea • Mordialloc • Mentone
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127
Wednesday 15 May 2024
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Cystic fibrosis fundraiser Rugby-mad brothers Spencer (pictured left), Teddy, and Stanley (inset) are all living with cystic fibrosis. Spencer has spearheaded a charity rugby match, which is set to take place in Seaford later this month. See story page 3. Pictures: Supplied
Illegal tree poisoning investigated Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au AN 80-year-old banksia tree in Mentone is among a spate of local trees which have been illegally destroyed in the last six months. Kingston Council says it is investigating multiple illegal tree destructions which have occurred in the municipality. It says that since November dozens of newly planted trees in Clayton South and Oakleigh South have been ripped out, an 80-year-old banksia tree in Mentone has been poisoned, and a saw was used to vandalise a mature tree on MacGregor Street in Parkdale. The Mentone banksia tree was declared dead in December. Council will soon remove the tree and plant a new one to replace it. In a statement, council said it is investigating to find those responsible. “The City of Kingston joins with the community in expressing anger at a spate of recent tree vandalism incidents across our city,” council’s statement read. “The recent deliberate poisoning of one of the largest banksia trees in Kingston was extremely frustrating and disappointing. The nature strip tree on Warrigal Road in Mentone is estimated to be more than 80 years old and was valued at $144,000 in 2022. The tree died in December and the smaller
branches have now been removed to manage safety concerns. The remaining parts of the tree have been retained as habitat for the time being, and tree poisoning signage is now in place to provide education about the protection of our trees. At the conclusion of this period, the dead tree will be removed, and a new tree planted. “Investigations into all these matters are ongoing and anyone who witnesses or suspects vandalism of our trees is urged to make a report to council”. To contact Kingston Council call 1300 653 356 or email info@kingston. vic.gov.au. AN 80-year-old banksia tree in Mentone, which has since been illegally poisioned. It will soon be removed. Picture: Supplied