Sunshine Coast Council is calling on the community to help find the people who vandalised a large area of vegetation.
Dozens of trees and plants in a 320sqm area were destroyed in the Ridges Boulevard Environment Reserve at Peregian Springs.
The site, off Finch Terrace, provides a link for wildlife to move safely between Peregian Springs and Noosa National Park.
Council issued a media release stating that it was investigating the incident, and a large warning sign has been installed to highlight the damage and send a message that this type of illegal activity will not be tolerated.
The signs will stay in place until the site has regenerated.
There are heavy penalties for environmental vandals. Those found guilty of offences can be fined more than $130,000.
Council’s environmental operations manager Adam Connell called on the community to help by providing evidence to identify the culprit or culprits.
“Council is investigating and we are calling on the local residents to help,” he said.
“It’s unclear what has motivated this act, which makes the damage even more senseless.
“Our natural environment is part of what makes the Sunshine Coast so special and if convicted of illegal damage, people can face significant fines of up to $131,580 from council and more if found guilty under the Queensland Environmental Protection Act.”
The council, which has a Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Strategy, stated that it recognised the importance of protecting and enhancing the region’s natural assets and it took a strong stance when it came to illegal damage of this nature.
It said that residents who notice suspicious vegetation damage occurring in council-managed reserves or parks can contact council’s customer services via 5475 7272.
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