We are extremely disappointed and disgusted at deliberate acts of vandalism over the weekend targeting young trees and shrubs at eight parks and reserves across Glen Eira.

The locations are:

• Caulfield Park, Caulfield
• Marara Reserve, Caulfield South
• Princes Park, Caulfield South
• EE Gun Reserve, Ormond
• Packer Park, Carnegie
• Boyd Park, Murrumbeena
• Mallanbool Reserve, Murrumbeena
• Rosanna Street Reserve, Carnegie

Young trees and shrubs were cut at the base with a hand saw, snapped at the base and, in some case, completely ripped out from the ground.

Some of these trees are very rare and may not be able to be replaced, including the Red Gums at Boyd Park which were grown from seeds collected from the trees that were removed for the Murrumbeena train station. 

This destruction is not only unlawful, it is extremely distressing and undermines Council’s push to increase Glen Eira’s tree canopy — something we committed to significantly increasing in our Urban Forest Strategy.

The damage of these trees also places a further cost burden onto ratepayers. Each tree is valued at around $700 cost to purchase, plant and establish with a combined cost of $80,000. Further costs for repair and replanting of the locations result in the total cost of this vandalism to nearly $200,000.        

Green leafy streets and tree filled parks are highly valued by our community and contribute to the character of our City.

Significant penalties apply as these acts of vandalism constitute Criminal Damage under the Crimes Act. The penalty is a maximum 10 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $218,000.

Investigations into these matters are ongoing and we have filed this vandalism with Victoria Police.

If you have any information about these events or witnessed suspicious behaviour at any of the locations mentioned between Friday 25 and Sunday 27 October, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or contact us on 9524 3333.