By VANESSA VALENZUELA
VANDALS have destroyed 20 trees and set a rubbish bin on fire during a “senseless rampage” in Sunshine West.
Brimbank City Council said the attack took place at Nancy Street Reserve over the new year break with the damage bill estimated at about $23,000.
Brimbank Chief Executive Officer Bill Jaboor said it was a disappointing that vandals showed no respect for ratepayers’ dollars which had been spent on enhancing the local reserve.
“Council only recently upgraded this reserve for the people of Sunshine West to enjoy and the senseless act of a few means that the community are let down – it’s really upsetting,” he said.
“It’s so important for the local community to have passive open space to enjoy and council likes delivering projects like these that have a positive impact on the lives of families living in the area.”
“Council and residents have a lot of pride in our city and we have to work together to make it clear that vandalism will not be tolerated.
“I appeal to anyone who witnesses this kind of behaviour to call the police.”
Mr Jaboor said that the bin and trees would be replaced as soon as possible.
Brimbank Council spent more than $16 million in the last financial year on upgrading and maintain parks, creek corridors, sports grounds, municipal reserves and street trees.
The $160,000 upgrade to Nancy Reserve was completed in April last year and included the installation of a new playground.
The upgrade was delivered as part of the Creating Better Parks – Brimbank Open Space and Playground Policy and Plan which directs the improvements of parks and playgrounds to create an attractive open space network.
