By Charlene Gatt
MARIBYRNONG City Council has condemned a recent act of vandalism that saw eight trees destroyed in Braybrook last week.
The trees in Skinner Oval appeared to have been attacked with a chainsaw or axe, with all eight trees cut down to their stumps.
The damage was so extensive that none of the trees could be salvaged and the council’s leisure and open space team had to clear away the trees and cut the stumps to ground level for the public’s safety.
The eight trees were planted in 2008 through a joint council and Neighbourhood Renewal partnership.
Mayor Sarah Carter branded the attack a senseless act of vandalism and has called on anyone with information to contact Footscray police.
Stony Creek Ward councillor Sel Sanli added: “Trees in our parks and gardens play a big part in making our city a great place to live and we’ll be looking at getting new trees planted as quickly as possible.”
“This is a mindless act that has damaged a great local park.
“Even once the trees are replaced, they will take several years to grow again.”
The council intends to replant the trees in autumn next year.
Tree plantings are usually done in cooler months to give trees the best chance of survival.
