Tree poisoning perpetrators face huge fines
Published Wednesday 16 December 2015
Douglas Shire Council has warned that anyone caught poisoning trees face a fine of up to $5890.
Two mature trees in Davidson Street, Port Douglas, just north of Port Street, have been poisoned and will need to be removed as they pose a danger to the public.
Council will replace the poisoned trees with new plantings in the same location at the same time they are removed.
General Manager Operations Paul Hoye said the poisoning or destruction of vegetation would not be tolerated by Council.
“Under Council’s Local Laws it is an offence to damage vegetation in a local government-controlled area or road without approval,” Mr Hoye said.
“The offence carries a maximum penalty of $5890 and on-the-spot fines of $589.
“There are no excuses and I urge anyone who may have information about this particular incident or any incident related to the poisoning or destruction of vegetation to contact Council to assist in our investigations.
“Council has many ways of catching offenders including the use of mobile surveillance cameras which has been successful in identifying illegal dumping perpetrators and we take a no tolerance approach to the poisoning of trees.”
Anyone who has information about the poisoning of the trees in Davidson Street is urged to call Council on 4099 9444.