100-Year-Old Tree in Woolwich Allegedly Vandalised Over Harbour Views

Residents of Woolwich, an upscale suburb in Sydney’s lower north shore, are fighting to save a 100-year-old Port Jackson fig tree after  a suspected act of vandalism.

Century-old fig tree in Woolwich poisoned in “calculated” act

According to Sydney Morning Herald, authorities report that the tree, located at Horse Paddock, was deliberately drilled with holes and poisoned in what many believe was a “calculated” attempt to secure better harbour views. 

The cherished tree is one of eight poisoned trees in the area, with approximately 30 other trees cut down. Unfortunately, six of the poisoned trees could not be remedied and have been disposed of.

Hunters Hill Council staff, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust arborists, and local rangers believe the damage likely occurred within the past week. 

In an attempt to save the tree, an arborist will try to cleanse the poison using Seasol, a liquid seaweed concentrate in hopes of improving its chances of viability.

Latest incident reveals recurring pattern of environmental destruction in Sydney

Although this marks the first time poison has been used in Woolwich, the suburb has seen a series of similar incidents of environmental disruption in recent years.

In January, another close-by century-old fig tree at Goat Paddock was illegally removed, prompting the harbour trust to erect a warning sign to deter copycat vandals.

Lisa McLean, leader of the community group Save Our Shores, condemned the latest attack as a “calculated act of vandalism,” as per SMH. 

“This is not just an act of vandalism but a real disregard for public assets and natural assets. These assets belong to the community – they are priceless, and we need them.”

According to research, fig trees are crucial to ecosystems, providing year-round food for over 1,300 species and aiding reforestation. They are highly valuable in their irreplaceable role in urban greenery.

Woolwich community deeply upset over loss of neighbourhood greenery

Residents describe Woolwich as a close-knit, environmentally conscious neigbourhood.

Community resident Beverley Bennett expressed her sadness to SMH saying, “It’s a really integral part of what makes this community green and pleasant to live in; it should not be sacrificed for a view. It’s selfish. People come to this area because of the beauty that they can find within an urban landscape. We value it – it’s really sad that other people who live here may not.”

Tragically, this act of vandalism mirrors a concerning trend of ecological disruption across Sydney. In 2023, over 260 trees were destroyed in Castle Cove, and 300 trees and flora were taken down in Lane Cove, as reported by SMH. 

Offenders found guilty of such acts in the Land and Environment Court face fines of up to $1.1 million and potential criminal records, while councils can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $3000.

An investigation led by the Harbour Trust is underway, with NSW Police notified.