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Nine historic fig trees poisoned at Balmoral “have survived” cowardly attack.

Published On: March 19, 2024

Nine historic fig trees poisoned in February are now believed to have survived the attack.

By ANNA USHER

Nine historic fig trees which were poisoned on the Balmoral foreshore last month have survived the brazen attack.

The callous vandalism act occurred around 9:30pm on Sunday 19 February, and was first reported on Mosman Collective, before making national headlines.

The callous vandalism act occurred around 9:30pm on Sunday 19 February.

Locals were left reeling after a man dressed in black and armed with a drill, poured toxic chemicals into the base of the Port Jackson figs, located on The Esplanade between Lower Almora St and Esther Rd.

But in heart-warming news, Mosman Council has revealed the iconic trees “are showing no adverse reactions”, leading them to believe the Figs have survived the heinous ambush.

Staff and arborists have been closely monitoring the nine trees, as NSW Police continue their investigations to find who was responsible.

The trees were drilled at the base, and then filled with toxic chemicals.

It was feared the trees, some of them more than 100 years old, would be lost, with calls for the culprit to “rot in jail” in the days following the attack.

“It is beyond comprehension to think someone could do this,” resident Kellie Thompson said at the time, “whoever did this must be caught, and I hope he rots in jail.”

“It’s a dog act.”

Watch: Mosman Collective speaks to shocked locals following the brazen attack.

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Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan told Mosman Collective she is seeking an urgent NSW State Government review of penalties into tree vandalism.

“I think we can be cautiously optimistic that this attack was unsuccessful, but I am mindful that all our public trees remain vulnerable to such senseless and selfish acts of vandalism,” she said.

Generally, fines for unauthorised tree removal are $3000 for property owners and $6000 for companies.

The nine trees impacted (circled) are located between Lower Almora St and Esther Rd at Balmoral.

“Given the recent events at Balmoral I believe now, more than ever, we need to call on the State Government to review fines for such acts of vandalism to ensure there is sufficient deterrents in place for individuals wishing to destroy beloved trees for their own personal gain.”

Do you have more information about the tree vandalism at Balmoral? Get in touch with [email protected]