Another Port Jackson fig has been planted along Balmoral’s foreshore after repeated vandalism damaged its predecessor, prompting Mosman Council to strengthen protection measures along the waterfront.
The replacement was installed on 28 October 2026, alongside a larger warning banner alerting visitors to previous attacks on trees in the area. Two nearby established figs have also been targeted, adding to a series of incidents that have troubled the popular beachfront for more than two years.
Council is using temporary protective netting and pursuing CCTV surveillance, while a dedicated tree compliance role has been established to investigate illegal pruning, poisoning and other damage to public trees.
The latest planting follows an unsuccessful attempt earlier this year to restore the affected section of Balmoral Reserve, where mature figs provide shade and form part of the waterfront’s established tree canopy.
Replacement fig damaged within months of planting
A 200-litre Port Jackson fig was planted at Balmoral Reserve in May 2026, between two larger trees that had suffered unauthorised pruning the previous December.
According to local reporting, the young tree was targeted again on 23 July, when its main growing stem was snapped. Further damage was reported before the tree was removed and replaced in October.
There have also been suspicions that the earlier replacement was poisoned, although Mosman Council has not publicly confirmed poisoning as the cause of its removal.
The October planting is the second replacement at the site this year. The new fig faces the same challenge as its predecessor: surviving long enough to establish itself in an area where young and mature trees have repeatedly been damaged.
Balmoral’s trees targeted since 2024
The latest incidents follow a major investigation in February 2024, when Council discovered nine Port Jackson figs with holes drilled into their trunks or bases along The Esplanade, between Lower Almora Street and Esther Road.
The damage came to light after a resident reported seeing someone drilling into a tree on 19 February. Council officers subsequently found five semi-mature and four mature figs affected, raising concerns that chemicals may have been introduced through the holes.
Contractors flushed the damaged areas and treated the surrounding soil in an effort to save the trees. Council referred the matter to police, contacted nearby property owners and appealed for information from residents.
The nine trees were subsequently reported to have survived the attack, although further incidents followed elsewhere along the foreshore.
In December 2025, Council discovered that two figs at Balmoral Reserve had been pruned without authorisation. A warning banner was installed and letters were distributed to surrounding properties as officers investigated the damage.
Council warned that those responsible could face legal action if sufficient evidence was obtained.
Balmoral Tree Vandalism: Key Developments
- February 2024: Nine Port Jackson figs found damaged by drilling.
- December 2025: Two figs at Balmoral Reserve illegally pruned.
- May–July 2026: Replacement fig planted and subsequently vandalised.
- September 2026: Mosman Council approves CCTV installation.
- 28 October 2026: Another replacement fig and larger warning banner installed.
- Reporting damage: Contact Mosman Council on 9978 4000.
CCTV and specialist enforcement target repeat attacks
Mosman Council has since moved beyond warning signs and replacement planting, approving surveillance equipment and strengthening its capacity to investigate tree damage.
At its meeting on 1 September 2026, Council approved the installation of CCTV at Balmoral to deter further attacks and assist investigators in identifying offenders.
The surveillance project, reportedly budgeted at approximately $125,000, is intended to cover part of the foreshore between Raglan Street and the Tram Shed bus stop.
Recorded footage could help establish when damage occurs and provide evidence for possible enforcement action. Council’s published announcements have not confirmed whether the cameras are fully operational.
The surveillance decision follows years of difficulty identifying offenders and bringing tree-vandalism cases before the courts.
Figures reported in May showed that Mosman had recorded 159 tree-vandalism incidents across the local government area over five years. During that period, 38 fines were issued, while only one matter reached court.
Council also moved earlier this year to establish a dedicated Tree Compliance Officer position, giving greater attention to investigating unauthorised pruning, removal and deliberate damage.
In a mayoral update published on 4 November, Council outlined the position’s responsibilities, including compliance work at development sites and cooperation with neighbouring councils and residents.
The additional staffing and surveillance measures are intended to improve the collection of evidence, particularly in cases where trees are damaged without witnesses or where the effects of suspected poisoning emerge gradually.
NSW introduces stronger tree-vandalism measures
Balmoral’s latest replacement planting comes as the NSW Government strengthens enforcement arrangements for illegal tree clearing and vandalism.
On 20 October 2026, the Government announced a package of measures aimed at increasing penalties, improving council enforcement powers and preventing offenders from benefiting from the destruction of protected trees.
Regulatory changes have strengthened aspects of the existing enforcement framework, while separate legislation has been introduced to establish a civil penalty system for serious unlawful vegetation clearing.
Under the proposed civil penalty framework, individuals could face court-imposed penalties of up to $500,000, while corporations could face penalties of up to $2.5 million.
The proposed civil penalties are separate from existing enforcement provisions and would not apply retrospectively to earlier incidents.
The reforms are intended to address difficulties councils face when investigating deliberate tree damage, particularly where criminal prosecution requires proof beyond reasonable doubt.
For Mosman, the proposed legislation could eventually provide additional enforcement options alongside the protective measures and investigative resources already being used locally.
Protecting Balmoral’s waterfront canopy
Port Jackson figs are a familiar feature of Balmoral’s foreshore, providing shade over public recreation areas and contributing to the established landscape along the beachfront.
When mature trees are damaged or removed, replacement planting cannot immediately restore the canopy they provided. Young figs need years of growth before offering comparable shade, leaving public spaces more exposed in the meantime.
Council’s latest response combines replacement planting with protective netting, warning signs, surveillance planning and specialist compliance work.
The new tree now stands beneath a prominent banner warning of vandalism and potential fines, while Council continues efforts to identify those responsible for damage to public trees.
Residents who witness tree vandalism or have information about earlier incidents can contact Mosman Council on 9978 4000.
Published 6-Nov-2026
