Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout and Botanic Gardens Team Leader of Parks Operations Jonathan Nicoll are calling out vandals who have been targeting and stealing from the Botanic Gardens. Photo: Jarryd Rowley,
Wagga’s Botanic Gardens and Music Bowl have recently become the target of thieves and vandals.
Over $6000 worth of plants have been stolen from the gardens, including 50 proteas from the Protea Garden, 25 roses, and over 70 plants from the Tree Chapel, Brolga Pond, Camelia Garden, Succulent Garden and Chinese Garden.
The entrance to the Chinese Garden has also seen vandals damage the top of the gateway, which Botanic Gardens Team Leader Parks Operations Jonathan Nicoll said is irreparable, as no working contractor has the skill or qualifications to replace the work.
“It has gotten to a point where we have to come out and say enough is enough,” Mr Nicoll said.
“This has been going on for some time now, and we’re now asking for members of the community who might see anything to call it out.
“This site is such a beloved site for many residents and tourists; it’s unacceptable that we have to put so much time and maintenance into replanting and fixing things that have been stolen and vandalised.”
The gardens haven’t been the only target of vandals. The music bowl has been subject to heavy graffiti, as well as reports of homeless individuals camping in the area.
Mr Nicoll said the Botanic Gardens staff have decided to stop calling for a cleanup of the site because vandals quickly spray-paint the walls after they are cleaned.
“There’s no real point; all we do is give them a brand new canvas to paint on,” he said.
Wagga Wagga City Council Mayor Dallas Tout voiced his disappointment about the vandalism, stating it’s council and ratepayers who foot the bill for repairs.
“This ongoing vandalism and theft disadvantages the whole community,” he said.
“No one wants to arrive at the gardens to find the facilities are unusable due to vandalism, and there are bare sections of garden beds where plants have been stolen, not to mention the cost to ratepayers per year.
“The Botanic Gardens contributes to the liveability of our city and is an attraction for visitors. To see ongoing vandalism and theft happening at the site is very disappointing.”
To combat ongoing vandalism and theft, Botanic Gardens staff will place signs indicating where plants have been stolen from and how to report any illegal activity.
“The extra attention the painting of the trees has created has prompted members of the community to start reporting suspicious behaviour relating to the street trees,” Mr Tout said.
“It is hoped that placing signs where plants have been stolen from garden beds will encourage the community to keep a lookout for suspicious behaviour and report it.”
Report vandalism and theft at the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens by contacting council on 1300 292 442, by email [email protected], or report it through Request It Report It.
