Several trees along a shoreline were deliberately poisoned to ‘improve the view’… the cheeky response from council is drawing praise

A council has punished its residents by removing their ocean views after a series of mass tree poisonings.

Sydney’s Bayside Council, which covers major south-eastern suburbs including Botany and Mascot, announced an investigation into the poisonings on Friday.

Until the municipality has found the perpetrator, it has placed a shipping container on the beach within sight of residents.

“Unfortunately, trees along our waterfront have once again been poisoned and destroyed for the sake of views,” a Bayside Council spokesperson said in a statement.

‘The municipality is actively investigating these incidents and immediately installed a shipping container at the site to block the desired view.

“In addition, large signage will be installed to deter vandalism.”

While some locals were quick to label the shipping container as an eyesore, the council assured locals it would be turned into a mural.

“Artist David Cragg will create another impressive mural on this shipping container to ensure our area remains a vibrant and welcoming space,” the spokesperson said.

“This work will begin early next week.”

Several commentators applauded the council’s strategic move.

“Don’t paint the shipping containers, show the perpetrators an eyesore,” someone wrote.

‘What’s wrong with people who feel the need to poison trees for the sake of the view! It makes me both angry and sad,” said another.

“Install some public toilets there,” another joked.

Others, however, were unimpressed by the council’s pettiness.

“Punishing the rest of the community for someone else’s crime is unfair. Please investigate the matter further without asking the community to accept this unnecessary container,” one person said.

“The shipping containers look horrible and no one has a view, not even the municipality,” wrote another.

Several Norfolk Pines were poisoned and destroyed in March last year (photo).

Bayside Council warned that poisoning trees is a criminal offence.

‘Destroying property, including trees, is a criminal offence. Violators could face serious criminal charges and fines ranging from $3,000 to $1 million,” the report said.

“If anyone has any information regarding the vegetation vandalism, please call Crime Stoppers.”

The announcement followed a new boom among the electorate last year.

Bayside Council shared a series of photos in March showing several dying Norfolk Pines.

What made matters worse was that a vandalist had painted the trees with the word ‘poisoned’.

“We are aware of several cases of tree vandalism along Grand Parade, where some very important Norfolk Pines are in decline, along with several Banksia trees in the nearby park,” Bayside Council said.

“Our team continues to monitor the trees pending test results that will help determine the best course of action to save the trees.”