On Tuesday Abbott said he was disappointed that the tree had been targeted but was grateful the council were installing CCTV.
“The park is a wonderful way to honour all those who have helped to shape our country since Federation and it’s good that Blue Mountains City Council takes its upkeep so seriously,” he said
The Corridor of Oaks at Faulconbridge .Credit: Wolter Peeters
Mayor Mark Greenhill said the trees are a way to celebrate the contribution of both sides of politics to Australian democracy. He’s worried American-style party politics is to blame for the vandalism.
“This is extremely disappointing – this is a positive tradition where we celebrate those Australians who served in the highest office in our land and we celebrate that tradition irrespective of politics and party,” the Labor mayor said.
Malcolm Fraser’s oak tree.Credit: Wolter Peeters
“That one prime minister is targeted is upsetting and wrong. I don’t come from the same side of politics … but I don’t want Australia to become the same as the US where the hatred between parties is palpable.”
Police have yet to receive a report regarding the second incident. A spokesperson confirmed they are investigating the first incident.
“Officers attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command have commenced an investigation after a juvenile oak tree had been cut down in Sir Henry’s Parade, Faulconbridge,” a statement said.
Abbott’s tree isn’t the first vandalism incident at the Corridor of Oaks. In 2019 Julie Gillard’s fledging tree was also cut down.
In 2013 a thief stole 16 of the bronze plaques from sandstone plinths that sit in front of the oaks.
After a pause in plantings for a park upgrade, Greenhill said he expects Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese to have their own tree-planting ceremonies in the near future.
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Source Agencies
