Historic oak tree is dying in Deloraine

Photo by Mike Moores

The poisoned tree in West Goderich Street, opposite Holy Redeemer Church.

By Sharon Webb

A MAJESTIC oak tree in Deloraine has been poisoned and Meander Valley Council is furious about it.

The first of 14 huge oak trees lining West Goderich Street between Tower Hill Street and West Parade, it was probably planted in the 1950s, said council acting general manager Jonathan Harmey.

‘Council Officers have found that the tree has been drilled into and attempted to be destroyed with a combination of petrol and poison. This is a particularly disappointing result,’ he said.

The council has screwed two large signs to the tree, labelling the poisoning of the tree as the ‘unacceptable vandalism of a public asset’.

One resident who has lived in the street for 60 years said the tree had been there since she moved in.

Another neighbour said vandalism was rife in the area. A 100kg garden statue had been pushed over, expensive rose bushes ripped out and the fingers of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church’s marble statue of Jesus broken off by vandals wielding supermarket trolleys

Anyone who knows who poisoned the tree should contact Meander Valley Council on 63935300 or email the address below.

sharon.webb@ meandervalleygazette.com

The December Gazette published this story about the poisoned oak tree in West Goderich Street, Deloraine. This story also mentioned other incidents of vandalism in the vicinity. There was no suggestion in the story that property owners nearby or adjacent to the tree were responsible for the poisoning. There was no suggestion that they might have any information about the incident or the likely culprits.