By Dominique Tassell
One of the trees planted in boxes outside the Criterion Hotel on Palmerin Street has “gone missing“, a council spokesperson has confirmed.
The spokesperson stated that “regrettably, council has become aware that one of the Crepe Myrtles recently planted in the new wooden boxes on Palmerin Street has gone missing“.
“Council is currently investigating the whereabouts of the tree and when it disappeared.
“The tree will be replaced as soon as possible, however this will unfortunately come at a cost to ratepayers.
“Initial reports suggest the removal of the tree was a senseless act of vandalism and therefore unlawful.
“Council has a zero-tolerance policy on vandalism and we need to work together as a community to stop vandalism.
“The community is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if they have any information to assist Police with this matter.“
The spokesperson confirmed that the council has had “ongoing engagement with police about vandalism of Council assets“.
As reported previously, the council has stated that over the past two months there has been a significant rise in the amount of vandalism at numerous public amenities across the region.
This includes Weeroona Park, Leslie Park, Australiana Park and Canning Park.
The council has previously stated that “vandalism costs ratepayers money, exposes the community to health risks, limits the availability of public amenities and restricts the capacity of council staff to complete work that is more beneficial to the community“.
While cautioning residents not to approach vandals in the act, the council is urging people to report suspicious activities to the Queensland Police Service through Policelink or Crime Stoppers.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said that senseless acts of vandalism not only had a disruptive impact on the community but also diverted ratepayer dollars and council crews from other priority projects.
“I’m disappointed that some members of our historically proud community see the need to intentionally destroy public property with no regard to the impact on the community,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“Vandalism has a very real follow-on effect as costly repairs, clean-ups and monitoring eat into ratepayer dollars that could be spent elsewhere.“
The planter boxes were installed in late August.
The planter boxes were initially set to be installed in time for the Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival but were delayed due to supply chain issues.
They will fill the space cleared after four trees were removed last year from outside the Criterion Hotel.
At the time, the removal prompted an outcry from the community.
