Volunteers with Central Coast Council’s bushcare scheme have been disheartened by a devastating act of vandalism on the Ettalong dunes.
Volunteer Helen Killick said she was part of a “lovely dedicated team” which meets twice each month to keep the beachfront area pristine.
“We recently discovered that the area we’ve worked solidly in and made a big difference to has been vandalised,” she said.
“Large indigenous trees including banksias have been chopped down and used to create a cleared area/cubby house, where they’ve put down a queen size mattress and four chairs.
“Above they’ve attached some canvas to the trees to create a shade, so a lot of work has gone into this.
“Our supervisor has reported this to Council, with a man who lives across the road saying kids come down on bikes and play loud music (at the site).
“I do understand the need for teenagers to have an outlet and if it was minimal damage I wouldn’t make a fuss.
“But this particular bushcare/dunecare group has put in a massive effort to clear the undesirable weeds and create an area where regeneration was happening naturally.
“Our dismay on finding the damage can’t be overstated.
“The people who turn up (to help) are selfless; they’re not in it for anything other than improving the environment for one and all.
“It was hard to see the group very disheartened.”
A Council spokesperson said it was “extremely disappointing” to learn of the tree vandalism and damage to the foreshore at Ettalong, particularly given the hard work that has gone into the re-vegetation of the dunes by both volunteers and Council.
“Council has previously investigated tree vandalism matters in the area, but has been unable to identify the perpetrators involved,” the spokesperson said.
“Council urges community members to report any vandalism to the police or Crimestoppers, or by contacting Council’s customer service on 1300 463 954.”
Council will organise crews to remove the rubbish at the Ettalong site.
Terry Collins