A vandal expands the tree story of woe

Community incensed when a chainsaw-wielding vandal took to protected trees

The setting again is the Nelson Bay Bridle Path, one of the most iconic coastal walkways in Port Stephens, between the Marina and Dutchmans Beach. It’s frequently walked and cycled by residents and tourists alike – a shady bushland walkway tracing the foreshore from on high with bountiful bay views.

Community lost the battle in May 2023 to protect a century old tree, but believed they’d saved several tall trees in 2021 that had been marked with XX’s. These were reported in the story below “What value is a century old tree?“

But alas, on the weekend of 18-19th January 2025, someone significantly vandalised at least 7 tall eucalypts including Blackbutts (Eucalyptus pilularis) and prime koala feed trees, Forest Red Gums (Eucalyptus tereticornis). Each vandalised tree has a significant chainsaw cut and are on council land adjacent to 48 & 50 Thurlow Avenue. An additional nearby tree, unnoticed for a few days, also with chainsaw cuts, is already showing browning leaves indicating likely death. This is more than vandalism, it is environmental sabotage.

Around 50 disbelieving locals gather at a moment’s notice.

Standing in the beautiful shade of two Blackbutt trees – unfortunately which may now fail – about 50 saddened locals listened intently to Councillor Rosalyn Armstrong vow to call for an early review of council tree management policies and guidelines, to ensure Council is doing as much as possible to protect our trees.

Council is asking for your help! Do you know anything about this vandalism?

Mayor Leah Anderson said “I, along with Council staff, am extremely disappointed and have had enough of tree vandalism across Port Stephens. As a community we need to keep our eyes and ears open and immediately report any tree vandalism to Council. We need to continue to work together to get a strong message out to our community that this is totally unacceptable and action will be taken to any person who is found to be vandalising trees. If any person has witnessed somebody vandalising trees, please report this to Port Stephens Council immediately”

If you saw, know, or heard anything about this damage please contact the Compliance Team Leader on compliance@portstephens.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 4988 0255.

EcoNetwork is asking for you to contribute comment or ideas

We would be delighted to hear your thoughts. For instance, here some promoters below.

• What as a community can we do to try to stop such devastating vandalism?
• Do you have any views on what we have put forward below in We ask again, where to from here?
• What other ideas, experiences or photos have you seen elsewhere that are useful for us to consider?

Please email info@econetworkps.org.au — with your suggestions!

One of the most devastating examples of tree vandalism in recent years in our LGA

This blackbutt tree marked with X in 2021, just east of the staircase. The chainsaw cut in 2025.

Most chainsaw cuts are away from path, possibly to reduce visibility ~ yellow X is on the path side. Further east of the staircase.

Adjacent to the staircase, this Blackbutt has a significant chainsaw cut

A little further west of the staircase, significant chainsaw cuts on multiple koala feed trees ~ Forest Red Gums.

These trees belong to the community, to you and I. They provide shade, cooling and interest for those passing by, and are a home, shelter and food for wildlife, including koalas. And our green shady environment is part of what our tourists enjoy, as well as our blue oceans, along this path.

But there is more carnage.

Where once a century old blackbutt stood, with several large saplings nearby, three were saved during the 2023 blackbutt’s demise — all large saplings have now been chainsawed at their base. The progressive demise of our natural heritage, our environment, our shade and our biodiversity.

Council’s action was immediate and they’re asking for your help

First on the scene following notification to Council was the Natural Systems Coordinator who emphasised this would be handled as strongly as possible within Council’s Tree Vandalism Policy. Further in consultation with Mayor Anderson who is Chair of Council’s Environmental Advisory Group, they’ll discuss Council’s current policy, what Council can do, and its limitations.

We ask again, where to from here?

How can Council address better processes in the face of relentless vandalism by some property owners?

Within our earlier 2023 story below, “Where to from here?” we were hopeful of improved Council processes. It has been nearly two years since the saga came to a head, and four years since it began.

What relevant processes and actions has Council implemented in the interim?

• Council updated its Tree Vandalism Policy in 2023, however they are willingly revisiting that in light of these circumstances, in discussion withi Council’s Environmental Advisory Group.
• In relation to vandalism or permitted tree removal of Council trees, Council has updated internal processes to inform interested parties and ward Councillors should a significant tree need to be removed under a tree permit. This will include relevant volunteer landcare coordinators in a timely manner.
• While not related to vandalism, Council’s Biodiversity Technical Specification document and the Ecological Assessment Guidelines have been updated, providing a little more protection, and are available online.

Recommend stronger deterrent actions

• Call out such vandalism highlighting to the community. Port Stephens Council has willingly provided small vandalism signs on the relevant trees.
• Erect large view-stopping signs with appropriate messaging. Port Stephens Council has erected big signs in the view line of those who vandalise, such as those a few years ago facing onto Victoria Parade when a Magnus Street apartment/s killed several trees. The situation on the Bridle Path warrants this action which we believe will happen.

Example signs and actions from other Councils also actively discourage continued vandalism, some highlighting the $1.1m fines in Land and Environment Court, others emphasise duration these trees signs will stay in place, while others emphasise the damage to the trees as a community asset.

Hunter’s Hill Council, 2016, view-stopper banners

Clarence Valley Council offers rewards for tree vandalism information, and highlights signs remain until planted trees mature.

• Clearly articulate the fines for vandalising trees on signs, online and in policy, and emphasise this is a criminal offence.

• Council and/or police take a proactive position to prosecute offenders
  
• Engage a variety of actions to impair the illegally created views.

Recommend Council takes a proactive tree planting position in response to such criminal behaviour

• Extensively plant in the vicinity of vandalised areas and use camera surveillance to ensure their ongoing protection.

Recommend Council officers adopt a pro-active nature-positive position in development approvals (DAs)

• Council assessing officers to critically examine any proposal for tree removal and assess whether a small change in the development proposal can save a mature tree.
• Arborists when making trees safe near public places to preferentially assess whether limited limbs can be removed rather reducing the tree to an inactive stump.

Recommend ensuring Councillors and Council officers understand the benefits of an improved environment to support environmental action on trees is a higher funded priority

• Provide education programs to ensure a culture in Port Stephens Council that recognises and supports the importance of our environment at many levels.
• Recognise that a green treed and shady environment is important for our residents and tourists, particularly in the face of climate change.
• A treed canopy and understory retention of shrubs and ground covers is critical for our biodiversity and Council has a responsibility to encourage community through policy, plans, education and incentives.
• Ensure Council develops suitable policy with funded actions to enhance current tree cover in its annual expenditure.

Recommend Council support a proactive stance in encouraging each of us as private individuals to take positive action

• Encourage private individuals to contact their local councillor and let him or her know that you support a stronger response from Council on tree vandalism, including allocating more public funds on this issue.
• If you live on any area along the foreshore such as the Bridle Path, especially any historically clear area, contact Council and let them know that you would be happy for a tree or two to be planted on the public land in front of your property to diversify your view and provide other community and wildlife benefits.  There are Council staff and Landcare volunteer teams who can help select appropriate local native trees suited to the site and your property.  In fact, this would apply to any property next to a Council park or reserve.

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Update 2023

What value is a century old tree? 

A 3 year saga and at the end … a tree story of woe but a mandate for better processes?

May 2023

The setting is the Bridle Path, a much-loved and walked and cycled pathway from the Nelson Bay Marina west to Dutchman’s Beach, along the beautiful Port Stephens shoreline.

Of particular concern was the massive blackbutt adjacent to the steps. Community quickly rallied with negligible forewarning to express their concern. 

Massive community concern was expressed over the potential loss of the trees. 

Newspapers

Facebook: (some sites) with significant commentary and interaction

Just a few of the concerned locals

Mystery of the yellow XXXs in part resolved

Council reported that a new owner purchased the property adjacent to the Council reserve in March 2021.

The property had an existing Development Approval (DA) from 2016, with the trees on the reserve marked on the plans. The developer thought that meant they were approved for removal. However further Council permission was required. 

But the crunch came in May 2023 

February 2022 the developer was refused a permit to remove the trees on Council land 

THEN

May 2023 the developer was granted a permit to remove the large blackbutt immediately adjacent to his property. 

The 2016 approved DA included a brick fence on the property’s boundary. Apparently excavation for the fence’s foundations would be within 5 metres of the tree and was expected to significantly damage the tree roots, which would affect the tree’s health, stability and safety. There could be no respectivity.

The obvious question is why originally were there no requirements to modify this part of the DA to avoid impacting this significant and valuable mature tree?

On Saturday 4^th May 2024, the tree met its demise 

The beautiful old blackbutt in its final hours –

Standing proud – First limb down – Ready for chipping.

Last stand – And the final cut! 

What value is a near century old tree? 

And what was achieved?

Not a home, but the potential for a brick fence to barrier in a boundary.

Could another fence-style have achieved a barrier without damaging  roots? Will the fence even be built?

The water view may have broadened. But what of appreciating the diversity of a filtered view – the joy of seeing what is happening beyond, while simultaneously enjoying life in the trees nearby.

Where to from here? Is this a tree story of woe but a mandate for better processes?

Should the environmental impacts on public spaces surrounding private property be taken into consideration when future DA’s are being assessed?

• Could Council assessment officers have looked at this DA through a better environmental lens?
• Could a better compromise be reached, requiring use of less intrusive fencing? This relies on officers’ judgement and values, and working in a context where the environment is important and they’re supported. 
• Can guidelines be put in place for similar future situations?

What about the value of the dead tree to the immediate area? 

• In 2023 when we learnt the tree was to be removed, we liaised with Council officers to retain any tree hollows and some woodchip for rehabilitation work on the Council reserve. 
• However there were only hours available on a Friday, from the time the community was notified, to the first chainsaw cut Saturday morning. 
• Better processes are required with timelines in place to enable better outcomes for the environment and community regarding trees in public spaces. 

We are yet to see if the death of this tree can improve processes 

A start is the recently appointed Environmental Advisory Group to Council which provides community an opportunity for such discussions and an avenue to support action.

We wait with interest as to what the future brings.

More information:

• TRRA/EcoNetwork submission on proposed Port Stephens DCP changes – Tree Management and Flora & Fauna – April 2024
• Maintaining Tree Cover in Port Stephens – EcoUpdate March 2024
• TRRA/EcoNetwork Submission to Port Stephens Council on Tree Management – September 2021