Media release

Council will undertake remediation works at Cabarita Headland next week following the vandalism of 30 plants at the popular viewpoint.

At least 30 macaranga plants adjacent to the carpark on the headland were cut down last week in what appears to be a serious case of vegetation vandalism.

Council has undertaken a formal assessment of the site and found the vandalism to be of medium significance due to the high profile nature of the site.

Such unauthorised vegetation removal falls under Council’s Vegetation Vandalism on Public Land Policy. The definition of ‘vegetation vandalism’ as per the policy is the unlawful destruction, damage or injury to trees and vegetation on public land.

Mayor of Tweed Chris Cherry said she was disappointed to see such a purposeful act of vandalism.

“For someone to wilfully damage and vandalise the environment like this is extremely disappointing and something we take very seriously,” Cr Cherry said.

“This is a real blow to the natural environment – it takes a long time to establish trees such as these in such exposed conditions, where salt and wind and rocky soil conditions prevail. To have this happen is a real blow to the surrounding natural beauty and will increase erosion on this site until the plants regrow."

This site is very exposed to coastal conditions and limits the actions that can be undertaken. Council will start remediation works next week including:

• Erecting shade cloth around the site to limit access and encourage regrowth of the macaranga stems.

• Cut branches will be used as mulch on site to limit erosion of the exposed soil.

• Signs will be secured to the fence.

• Growth of the macarangas will be monitored with supplementary planting if required.

To report vandalism in the community to Council, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/report-problem or contact Council on 02 6670 2400.