EFFORTS to rehabilitate a patch of vegetation along the Esplanade in Point Vernon are progressing well, with the Fraser Coast Regional Council committing to remove a fence and educational banner around the site next month.
Thousands of seedlings were planted last year after a mass poisoning in the vicinity of Mant Street.
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Mayor George Seymour said the fence and banner were installed in 2020 after the trees at the site were the target of “repeated and large-scale” poisonings.
“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,” Cr Seymour said.
“The fencing and educational banner also sent a message that the community will not put up with this type of environmental vandalism.”
More than 2,000 seedlings were planted on the site last year. Cr Seymour said the fencing 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 continued.
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“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.
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“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.
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