AN IGNORANT act of vandalism at Mersey Point will cost ratepayers more $50,000 after 13 trees were killed at the Mersey Point carpark in Shoalwater.
The semi-mature casuarina trees were believed to have been damaged almost two months ago.
With a hot summer expected the shade they gave beachgoers and visitors to Penguin Island alike has now been destroyed.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWCity of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels was angered by the senseless and now costly act.
“It is extremely disappointing to see vandals ruin so many beautiful trees which have been a part of the landscape at Mersey Point for a number of years,” he said.
“Mersey Point is one of the City’s busiest car parks, with many residents and visitors often parking there before they go to the beach or take the ferry across to Penguin Island.
“Not only do senseless acts of vandalism cost the City a lot of money, they are also detrimental to the efforts undertaken through the City’s Greening Plan, which is focused on improving the City’s green canopy.
“I encourage anyone with information on this matter to contact either the City or Crime Stoppers.”
The cost of removing and replacing the dead trees, as well as significant earthworks associated with removing roots from underneath the surface of the carpark is expected to cost $50,000 to $60,000.
They will be removed early in the New Year and the same species will be re-planted in mid 2019.
Signs informing visitors of the damage caused will be installed at the site.
Anyone with information on the vandalism of the trees at Mersey Point is urged to contact the City on 9528 0333 or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.