A LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL body has called the recent illegal tree clearing at Hydeway Bay ‘environmental vandalism’.
“Illegal tree clearing in pursuit of better views or property prices is a scourge across Australia, and that includes the Whitsundays,” President of the Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) Tony Fontes said.
“Most recently, there has been illegal tree and vegetation clearing occurring in Hydeaway Bay.
“A significant amount of Littoral Rainforest was removed, including two large trees, which were poisoned.
“This is environmental vandalism, pure and simple, carried out by people who feel they are entitled to better access and view of the coast. It’s a crime that deserves condemnation and retribution.”
Mr Fontes said it was also a crime against the community.
“Trees are a public asset,” he said.
“The physical, psychological, environmental, spiritual, and climatic benefit of trees are multiple and profound.
“The vegetation that was destroyed was Littoral Rainforest, which is listed as a critically endangered ecosystem, protected by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC).
“Littoral Rainforest is a very important ecosystem. It provides crucial habitat for a variety of wildlife including sea turtles, fish, and birds. Removal of this vegetation will significantly impact our region’s biodiversity.
“As well, loss of any coastal vegetation significantly weakens the coastline, making it more vulnerable to erosion and storm damage and cyclones.”
Mr Fontes said local government authorities across Australia had been developing counterstrategies to combat illegal tree clearing.
“Many councils are becoming quite novel in their responses.
“Some councils have erected view-blocking billboards in front of poisoned or removed trees. Other councils stack shipping containers where trees once flourished.
“Whitsunday Regional Council has a responsibility to send a clear message that illegal tree clearing will not be tolerated in the Whitsundays.
“A day in court, backed by a hefty fine would be a warning to those who fail to comply with our vegetation regulations.”
Whitsunday Regional Council has referred the incident to the Queensland Government Vegetation Management Hub and will be issuing a formal Compliance Notice and Infringement to the responsible party.
Director of Communities Services Julie Wright said Council was aware of the incident, involving the illegal clearing of approximately 240 square metres of sensitive foreshore vegetation, at Hydeaway Bay.
“Council has referred the incident to the Queensland Government Vegetation Management Hub, as the land is State-owned with Council acting as Trustee. The State will now conduct its own investigation,” she said.
“As part of our compliance process, Council will be issuing a formal Compliance Notice and Infringement to the responsible party, including a requirement to restore the cleared area using native seedlings consistent with the local ecosystem.
“To support the site’s protection, a bushland restoration sign will be installed, and we’ll be closely monitoring the rehabilitation to ensure the vegetation is appropriately re-established.”
“Council will also be writing to residents along Gloucester Avenue to remind them of the Hydeaway Bay Foreshore Plan and the importance of preserving native vegetation.
“Community awareness and cooperation are essential to protecting our coastal environments.”
