A local council has looked into locals’ concerns about a stretch of foreshore at a Sunshine Coast beach town.
Authorities were prompted to assess a section of land at Peregian Beach, after beachgoers posted photos to social media, showing what appeared to be decayed vegetation.
Maria O’Sullivan said there was a “single strip of dead trees” in front of homes, between two beach access points.
“Is this a natural phenomenon and, if so, can we expect other areas of the dunes to be similarly impacted?” she asked.
“Interesting … replanting needed,” Tim Cayzer said.
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“Very suspicious,” Don Spencer said.
“I would suspect some unnamed person has interfered with the natural landscape,” Josie Woo added.
“Looks like a bad case of Roundup to me,” Barbara Bell said.
But a Noosa Council spokesperson ruled out foul play and revealed the likely reason for the degradation.
“Council has investigated the information provided from Facebook and has not found any evidence to suggest any illegal clearing,” they said.
“However, there is evidence of natural dieback and past weed removal throughout the dune system, which at a glance may resemble vegetation poisoning.”
Noosa Council Environmental Operations coordinator Michael Lyons said weed removal was typically carried out by council contractors or by Bushcare volunteers coordinated through the council.
“The weed removal undertaken in relation to this matter involved large exotic species such as broad-leaved pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia) and umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla),” he said.
“These species are quite substantial in size and are very noticeable once they begin to die back or have died.
“They are usually drilled and treated in situ to minimise sudden canopy gaps and reduce disturbance to the surrounding vegetation.
“This is often mistaken as dead or dying natives to people who may not know native/non-native species.”
Members of the public who have concerns regarding vegetation can lodge a customer request via Snap Send Solve or email Environment@noosa.qld.gov.au directly. This ensures all matters are properly recorded, investigated and followed up.
The Noosa Council website stated that foreshore vegetation could not be removed by beachfront property owners.
“You are not allowed to remove, prune or top … if you do, you may be subject to prosecution under council local laws and state laws regarding tree protection.”
