In 2023, there was a significant surge in reports concerning the unlawful destruction of trees and acts of vandalism in Sydney. 

This escalation prompted local councils to urgently appeal to the state government for increased support in prosecuting individuals responsible for harming the city’s natural resources.

Michael McLaren is joined by Jessica McSweeney, the Breaking news reporter at the Sydney Morning Herald, who analysed council data and discovered that over the past year, local governments received more than 1000 reports detailing instances of trees being damaged or intentionally killed. 

Notably, various councils, such as Sutherland Shire, Ku-ring-gai, and Liverpool, witnessed substantial spikes in reports of tree vandalism in 2023 compared to preceding years.

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