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MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC, PAGE 3
20 May - 2 June, 2020
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(Rebecca Hosking) 208530_02
BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER
Married to the job Ocean Grove couple Wendy and Ian Rabone have spent ive of 41 years of marriage donning orange overalls for Bellarine SES. ■ Read their story on page 17.
Tree attack ‘deliberate’ By Justin Flynn Police may be called on to investigate whether damage to a tree on council land in Ocean Grove was a criminal act. he bracelet honey myrtle tree, in Aldebaran Road, was damaged to the point where a council arborist had to remove it because it was a safety hazard. Concerned residents contacted City of Greater Geelong about the incident, with one saying it was “attacked with a chainsaw in
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I was in disbelief at the damage done
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- Rebecca
broad daylight”. “It’s not what Ocean Grove is about,” another resident, who wanted to be identiied as Rebecca, said. “We pride ourselves on being nature- and environmentally-friendly and to have this
behaviour happen is so disappointing. “I live in a street nearby and walked by the tree daily with my husband. “I was in disbelief at the damage done and then to see that council had to remove it was so sad and frustrating.” In a letter to the resident, council described the damage as “deliberate vandalism of community property”. he Voice contacted council for comment. City services director Guy Wilson-Browne said the damage was “extremely disappointing”.
“It is extremely disappointing to see this tree deliberately damaged to a point where we were unable to retain it,” he said. “his tree provided habitat and shade and this removal is a sad loss for the local environment and community. “We are currently investigating this matter and considering whether it will be referred to police. “It is illegal to prune, or deliberately damage trees and shrubs on council-owned reserves, such as nature strips.”
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