According to a spokesperson for the NPWS, several Banksia trees were illegally cut down and branches lopped in the Tomaree National Park near Birubi Cemetery at Ocean Avenue.

"This incident was reported to NPWS by a member of the public in July 2021," the spokesperson said.

"Additional permanent signage will be installed while the investigation is ongoing and the vegetation grows back."

NPWS says that Banksia trees were one of the few native species that could survive in the salt spray zone.

"They provide habitat for a range of plants and animals and help to prevent erosion. Removing protective coastal vegetation can destabilise slopes, permanently change natural landforms and exacerbate wind, storm and other weather impacts on people's homes and other private assets," the spokesperson said.

"It is an offence to poison, damage or destroy vegetation on National Park estate. This offence carries a maximum penalty of $3300."

South Tomaree Community Association president Chris Mitchell said members were extremely concerned about the incident after noticing the NPWS sign which reads: 'Native vegetation in this area has been vandalised. Should you have any information regarding this vegetation damage, or if you would like to participating in helping to rehabilitate and protect the site in future, please phone NPWS'.

Speaking on behalf of the South Tomaree Community Association, president Chris Mitchell said that the vandalism should not go unpunished.

"We can only guess at the reason someone may do this. We feel that as a group committed to the preservation and care of our natural environment we are appalled at the wanton destruction of our banksias in the national park that are a major food source for the yellow tailed black cockatoos."

In the meantime, Ms Mitchell said it was a sad situation that the NPWS did not have the funding to maintain pathways in Tomaree National Park.

"Other parks that we use regularly in different parts of the state seem to have very well maintained pathways."

Anyone with any information about the tree cutting incident, or has witnessed illegal activity in the national park, is urged to report it to the NPWS Hunter Coast Area office on (02) 4984 8200.

NPWS is asking neighbours and visitors to please work with them to protect the natural assets in Tomaree National Park.

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