A jihad on trees.

It is obvious that someone living near Towradgi park is determined that trees will not spoil the view !

Many attempts to establish shade trees in this reserve have met with guerilla tactics and this week three Norfolk pines - planted just twenty-four hours earlier - were ring barked, despite being protected by stainless steel guard enclosures.

Ironically, Norfolk pines are trees least likely to spoil the view of nearby residents. Their foliage does not extend near the ground, allowing a " see through " situation, but they do provide excellent shade which is much sought after during hot summer days.

Wollongong council is faced with some sort of " Mexican standoff ". These trees cost $ 300 each and there seems every prospect that replacements will suffer a similar fate.

A view of the sea has a dramatic effect on the value of property and some home owner is determined that the view will not be obstructed by trees, despite the threat that if caught the fine could be greater than the value of his or her property.

It looks like becoming a battle of wills. The council is determined to establish shade trees and a resident is equally determined to sabotage all efforts.

Various ploys have been tried by other councils, including erecting semi permanent signs to mimic the view blocking effect the trees would have presented, but of course this also punishes innocent residents.

We live in an electronic age and the answer is probably the installation of hidden mini surveillance equipment to trap - and identify - the culprit.

A park without trees - is not a park at all !