Point Vernon fence to be removed as trees bounce back

A fence and educational banner installed around the site of a mass tree poisoning at Point Vernon will be removed next month.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the revegetation and rehabilitation of the area at Mant Street in Point Vernon was progressing well.

“Council installed the fence in November 2020 after the trees at the site were the target of repeated and large-scale poisonings,” he said.

“The temporary fencing limited access to the site while the herbicide in the soil broke down and to protect people from being struck by falling limbs from the dead trees.

“The fencing and educational banner also sent a message that the community will not put up with this type of environmental vandalism.”

Cr Seymour said Council planted over 2000 seedlings on the site last year and the fencing had helped protect the vegetation as it grew.

“We have seen excellent tree growth rates over the past 12 months, and we are now in a position where we can remove the fence in early September,” he said.

“This is in line with our expectations when we first installed the fence two years ago.

“It is pleasing that we have seen no further acts of vegetation poisoning along the Hervey Bay Esplanade since the fence and educational banner was installed. 

“Other acts of environmental vandalism in this area have also significantly decreased.

“Council will continue to monitor the site and we look forward to the trees continuing to grow and flourish at what is a beautiful and important location along the Esplanade at Point Vernon.”