A fresh warning has been issued for a section of sensitive coastal environment undergoing rehabilitation after it was vandalised and poisoned.
The area has been targeted again, this time with the removal of warning signs asking people not to “trample” on the vegetation.
Late last year, trees and plants were destroyed inside an 8000sqm area – about the size of two football fields – along the Mudjimba-Marcoola Foreshore Reserve.
At the time, the poising was described as a “blatant and malicious” attack on the environment.
As a result, Sunshine Coast Council placed large signs where the incident had occurred asking the community to allow the area to revegetate and as a warning to vandals.
Smaller signs were also placed in the vicinity reminding beachgoers to use designated beach access pathways.
A council spokesperson has confirmed to Sunshine Coast News that some of these smaller signs are being “repeatedly removed”.
“While the large sign council installed to draw attention to the vegetation damage at the Mudjimba-Marcoola Foreshore Reserve remains in place, other smaller signs in the area are being repeatedly removed,” the spokesperson said.
“These smaller signs were installed to politely ask the local community to use the designated beach access pathways, to give the sensitive vegetation a chance to recover and regrow without being trampled on.
“Sadly, these signs are being ignored and ripped down by some members of the community as soon as council puts up new ones.
“We encourage anyone with any information and evidence in regard to this serious case of vegetation damage to please contact council.”
The council receives regular complaints of illegal clearing and poisoning of native trees. Residents can contact the customer services on 5475 7272.
Those found guilty of environmental vandalism offences can face hefty fines.
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