A council has punished its residents by taking away their ocean views following 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 council finds the culprit, it has placed a shipping container in the way of residents’ view of the beach.
‘Sadly, trees along our foreshore have again been poisoned and vandalised for the sake of a view,’ a Bayside Council spokesman in a statement.
‘Council is actively investigating these incidents and has promptly installed a shipping container at the site to block the desired view.
‘Additionally, large signage will be put up to deter vandalism.’
While some locals were quick to label the shipping container an eyesore, the council reassured locals it would be transformed into a mural.
‘Artist David Cragg will be creating another impressive mural on this shipping container to ensure our area remains a vibrant and welcoming space,’ the spokesman said.
Bayside Council blocked residents’ seaside view with a shipping container (pictured) after trees were poisoned
‘This work will begin early next week.’
Several commenters applauded the council’s strategic move.
‘Don’t paint the shipping containers, let the culprits view an eyesore,’ one wrote.
‘What is wrong with people that feel the need to poison trees for the sake of a view! Makes me both angry and sad,’ another said.
‘Install some public toilets there,’ another joked.
However, others weren’t impressed by the council’s pettiness.
‘Penalising the rest of the community for someone else’s crime is unfair. Please further investigate the matter without asking the community to put up with this unnecessary container,’ one said.
‘The shipping containers look horrible and also, nobody owns a view, not even the council,’ another wrote.

Several Norfolk Pines were poisoned and vandalised (pictured) in March last year
Bayside Council warned poisoning trees is a criminal offence.
‘The destruction of property, including trees, is a criminal offence. Offenders can face serious criminal charges and fines ranging from $3,000 to $1million,’ it said.
‘If anyone has information about the vandalism of vegetation, please call Crime Stoppers.’
The announcement followed another tree poisoning in the electorate last year.
Bayside Council shared a series of photos in March showing several dying Norfolk Pines.
Making matters worse, a vandalist had spray-painted the trees with the word ‘poisoned’.
‘We are aware of several cases of tree vandalism along the Grand Parade where some highly significant Norfolk Pines are in decline, along with several Banksia trees in nearby parkland,’ Bayside Council said.
‘Our team is continuing to monitor the trees while waiting for test results that will help determine the best course of action to save the trees.’
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