Mosman Council will install surveillance cameras to counter tree vandalism, after further damage to the Port Jackson figs at Balmoral Beach.

What happened: Late last year, vandals hacked two semi-mature Port Jackson fig trees. Numerous branches were cut off, but the trees survived. Council’s immediate response was to erect a banner blocking any views gained from the “illegal vegetation removal”.

In May, council approved the removal of the banner, to be replaced by a Port Jackson fig sapling, standing between the two vandalised trees. 

Two months later the main branch of the new tree was snapped, which council said was the work of vandals.

Smile, you’re on camera: In response council will spend $125,000 on CCTV filming the foreshore between Raglan Street and The Tram Shed bus stop at Balmoral Beach. The banner will also be reinstalled.

Thumbnail: Mosman Council