The death of a stand of 80-year-old Norfolk Pine Trees at Cabbage Tree Bay, and of vegetation in Mazlin Park, has been drawn to the attention of Central Coast Councillors.
Mr Tony Booth sent photos of the dying trees to local Councillors.
Mr Mark Smith of Noraville had posted the photos on Facebook and said he believed the trees had been deliberately poisoned.
“It is not a result of dieback or any other phenomena,” Mr Booth said.
Wyong Regional Chronicle has asked Central Coast Council for more information about the trees and the Mazlin Park vegetation.
Clr Kyle MacGregor said: “These reports of very mature or significant trees being removed, interfered with and cut down are concerning and this is an issue that has been raised across many suburbs.
“It needs to be taken seriously, investigated and addressed by the relevant authorities.
“I am contacted daily by residents concerned about tree issues, bush and environmental management and we need to respond as a Council to the serious concerns of residents and ensure that we are responding in a timely and effective manner to their concerns about these issues.
“We must ensure that we treat the land that we live on with respect and that we are acting in a responsible and sustainable manner and that includes the trees that provide shade and wind protection, help reduce erosion, provide us with oxygen and help provide habitat for native fauna.
“I anticipate that with many of the new Councillors taking a keen interest in environmental issues and our Mayor having a background in that area that we will be able to respond to these issues both collectively and progressively as the new Central Coast Council.
“I believe Councillor Greenaways motion at the previous council meeting regarding the tree policy may be a signal that the wind is now blowing in a new direction in this policy area,” Clr MacGregor said.
He added that the new Norah Head master plan includes a focus on planting native trees specific to the region rather than the Norfolk Pines that have previously been grown.
Source:
Email, Dec 8
Tony Booth, Norah Head
Media statement, Dec 15
Kyle MacGregor, Central Coast Council