Vandals’ senseless Piesse Park rampage angers volunteers

Vandals have laid waste to the hard work of of volunteers at Piesse Park by ripping out 12 community-planted trees, which were left dumped in the lake and strewn across walkways.

Members of environmental rehabilitation group Friends of Piesse Park were shocked to discover a trail of destruction last Tuesday when four trees were uprooted.

On Sunday evening, another eight trees were found torn out of the ground.

The vandalism is a blow for the volunteers, who have completed 21 planting sessions this year to help the Shire of Katanning rehabilitate the parkland.

Transformation of the historic Piesse Park has been more than three years in the making and has included a new amphitheatre stage, a nature-based playground and a path network.

Friends of Piesse Park committee member Matt Collis said volunteers managed to salvage 11 of the trees, which were fished from the water and replanted.

“It’s certainly the biggest and most visible occurrence of vandalism we’ve seen with one of our plantings ... it’s very disappointing,” he said.

“This community deserves better.

“It’s community time, it’s the Shire’s money. I don’t see who wins.

“If there is anyone who knows anything, it would be great to pass it on to the right authorities.”

Mr Collis said volunteers were very passionate about the community space and had given many hours to the project.

“It's Katanning’s green heart, it’s got so much potential,” he said.

“The community are well behind the project.

“It’s just sad there are a few in the community that obviously don’t appreciate it.”