Bellingen Shire Council was alerted to the destruction by a concerned resident who called after noticing trees from one to six metres high had been cut off at ground level, limbs removed and holes drilled into their trunks.

An inspection was undertaken of the river bank adjacent to the corner of Morgo and North streets, whereby it was noted the vandalism occurred at a site where a pair of beach stone-curlews have nested for the past few breeding seasons. 

Beach stone-curlews are a critically endangered species under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.  It is estimated that there are only 15 breeding pairs in the State. Nesting beach stone-curlews and other shorebirds are extremely vulnerable to disturbance by people, dogs and vehicles and disturbance can disrupt breeding. 

“I urge the community to come forward with any information on this matter,” Mayor Mark Troy said.  “Council takes vandalism seriously and is especially disappointed and concerned when such selfish acts damage our natural environment and threaten vulnerable native wildlife, such as the beach stone-curlews, which we are privileged to have the opportunity to look after in our shire.”

The incident has been reported to police as it is considered a criminal offence.  Council rangers have increased inspections of this area and will continue to monitor it on a regular basis.  If you have any information about this incident contact the rangers on 6655-7300 or the Office of Environment and Heritage on 131-555 to report on environmental incidents in NSW.