Redcliffe foreshore Archives

Redcliffe’s Iconic Norfolk Pine Cut Down After Deliberate Poisoning

A large and iconic Norfolk Pine tree near Redcliffe jetty has been cut down after authorities confirmed it had been poisoned earlier this year.

The tree, which stood prominently along the Esplanade footpath, was discovered to be in distress following a complaint that led to an inspection in July.

An examination revealed two holes drilled into the back of the tree, which further testing confirmed had been filled with a herbicide. In a statement, Cr Karl Winchester shared his concern about the incident, describing the poisoning as both saddening and disturbing, given the tree’s significance to the local environment.

Efforts to save the tree proved unsuccessful despite warnings and a close monitoring process by the Moreton Bay City Council. Arborists noted that the tree’s upper branches continued to wither, indicating the poison had spread.

Council placed signs near the tree to alert the public, but its health deteriorated rapidly. Moreton Bay City Council subsequently made the difficult decision to have contractors remove the Norfolk Pine from the foreshore to prevent potential hazards.

Investigation and Community Impact

The deliberate poisoning of the tree has not only saddened residents but also raised questions about the motives behind the act. The Council confirmed that the poisoning incident is now a police matter, with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) actively investigating. Council representatives have indicated that should sufficient evidence be found, those responsible could face fines or charges.

For the Redcliffe community, the Norfolk Pine was more than just a tree; it was a landmark and part of the area’s natural heritage. Its removal has stirred concerns among residents, with some calling for increased monitoring and penalties for similar acts of environmental vandalism. Councillor Winchester emphasized the community’s collective loss, noting that the tree had been a beloved part of the foreshore for years and that its destruction impacts the local environment and Redcliffe’s scenic appeal.

Council Response and Next Steps

Moreton Bay City Council has assured residents that it will continue to work with the police to investigate the incident thoroughly. In similar past cases, Council has imposed fines and charges on those guilty of intentionally harming community greenery. Council officials have expressed hope that justice will be served and are looking into preventive measures to deter future vandalism.

Published 11-Nov-2024

Efforts Intensify to Tackle Litter Along Redcliffe Foreshore and Clontarf

Photo Credit: Facebook / Sue Bulow Johnson

As officials prepare to step up litter patrols and enforce fines beginning this August, efforts are being made to address the rubbish problem afflicting the Redcliffe foreshore and Clontarf.

Community organisation Pristine Peninsula has been fighting for better surroundings, and Councillor Karl Winchester (Div 6) has been a steadfast backer of their cause. The Pristine Peninsula group has methodically tracked the types and amounts of garbage along Elizabeth Ave. for the past six years in an effort to improve the area’s cleanliness. They were successful in getting more patrols after two years of tenacious advocacy.

Concerns regarding trash from automobiles on the Hornibrook Bridge were raised after an alarming 37 cigarette butts were found along Elizabeth Ave. during a recent volunteer survey.

The council plans to increase enforcement efforts as a result, focusing especially on littering in Redcliffe’s beach areas and adjoining parkland, seven days a week. A targeted project will concentrate on the Elizabeth Ave., Clontarf community, which has been identified as a particular hotspot for littering.

The organisation’s founder, Les Barkla, expressed gratitude for the expanded patrols but emphasised the necessity for ongoing efforts. For the community to receive the message properly, he emphasised the necessity of daily patrols, as occasional actions are unlikely to have the desired effect. Mr Barkla stressed the need to maintain enforcing litter fines as the problem with litter worsens.

The effects of littering go beyond the obvious debris since it takes hundreds of years for the garbage to disintegrate into dangerous microplastics, which eventually enter the food chain and pose major environmental dangers.

Mr Barkla urged a multimodal strategy that included education, public awareness, and the enforcement of trash fines in order to fully solve the problem. He also promoted the use of packaging that is 100% natural and compostable in order to lessen litter and its long-term environmental effects.

Littering is a well-established offence under Queensland Law, granting Moreton Bay City Council the authority to take decisive action. Through increased patrols and the implementation of fines, the aim is to raise awareness among the community and encourage responsible litter disposal, resulting in a cleaner and more environmentally friendly Redcliffe foreshore and Clontarf.

Published 8-August-2023