Report tree vandalism

On Council land (public property)

Any pruning, lopping, removal of branches, interfering, intentional damage or poisoning of a Council tree by a member of the community is considered vandalism and is subject to prosecution under Consolidated Local Law No. 2 (s70) and the Summary Offences Act 1966 s9 (1).

• On foreshore
• In parks and/or reserves 
• Along local roads

Interfering with vegetation on Council land may also breach sections of the Planning & Environment Act 1987.

On private property

Bayside's trees on private property are also protected by law and significant fines apply for destruction or illegal removal of trees.

Find out more about protecting trees on private property

The matter will be investigated by our Investigations Unit and an appropriate response will be determined by Council at completion on the investigation. This may include penalty notices or court action.

If you chose to provide your details an officer will contact you and can provide you with updates on the investigation. Privacy provisions limit the extent of information they can provide, however reports of vandalism, especially witnesses to illegal tree activity, are important to Council and we value your time in making a report.

Any detected breach of the Bayside Planning Scheme and relevant Overlays are regulated by the Planning and Environment Act 1987. Offences for poison and damage to vegetation (trees) in this area can attract a maximum fine of $198,000 under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 if found guilty in the Magistrates Court.

Penalties under the Local Law are up to $2,000 and a conviction.

Penalties for wilful destruction or damage of public trees under the Summary Offences Act are up to $4,100 or six months imprisonment if found guilty in the Magistrates Court.

A reward of up to $25,000 will be considered by Council for information relating to any premeditated unlawful action (pruning, poisoning, removal, root damage) to a public tree that results in a successful prosecution and or fine.

In order for a person to be eligible for consideration of a reward for information concerning the vandalism of public trees and is protected by any law:

• The alleged offender must be found guilty of the alleged offence by a Court of competent jurisdiction from a prosecution launched by the Council or Victoria Police.
• The applicant must have been willing to give sworn evidence in Court when and if required.
• In the opinion of the Delegated Officer, the applicant did not knowingly allow the alleged offender to commit the act in order to obtain a reward.

Review our Tree Reward and Vandalism Policy for further information.

A reward is not available if:

• The tree/s in on private property.
• You opt to make an anonymous report.