By Renee Wood
Healesville residents have been disappointed to see a vandal has destroyed several trees on Smith Street.
It’s believed up to eight trees were destroyed which were noticed by local residents after the weekend of 4-5 June.
The trees were established and were planted in July 2020 before street works began in that area.
Director of Environment and Infrastructure, Mark Varmalis said council is disappointed by the vandalism.
“Our team has reported the vandalism to Victoria Police,” Mr Vamalis said.
The trees were snapped at the trunks and it’s estimated the value is around $3200.
“..Which includes the maintenance to the trees since they were planted two years ago,” he said.
“The sad fact is, trees take time to grow and establish themselves. Replacing these trees takes not just money, but time.”
Mr Varmalis said these incidents are isolated and a recent audit found 31 trees have been vandalised and 39 are missing out of the 2,341 trees that have been planted on public land in the last two years.
“The destroyed trees will be replaced. We’re planning to plant trees along the western side of the road over winter, and will replace the trees on the eastern side of the road at the same time.
“We would encourage anyone with information about this vandalism to contact Victoria Police.”
