A FLINDERS couple have raised concerns over the alleged removal of native vegetation near and on their coastal property, prompting an investigation by Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Tania de Jong and Peter Hunt contacted The News after alleging a significant amount of vegetation was cut down in the area surrounding their Flinders property on 5 June.
The couple said the vegetation was removed from an area adjoining a neighbouring property where a new build has been under construction for 18 months.
“On 5 June, we were alerted to the fact that a whole lot of trees and shrubs had been destroyed and cut down deliberately,” said de Jong.
“There were pink marks put on all those trees, and they’ve been felled and just left in this terrible mess and caused the most devastating destruction to the pristine, natural environment.”
De Jong and Hunt said vegetation on their property and council land had been chopped down, their beach path steps had been damaged, and cut down vegetation had been left behind.
“It’s heartbreaking to anyone who cares about land conservation or community; it’s really upsetting,” said de Jong.
“It’s a small community in Flinders, and it’s a beautiful, pristine part of the foreshore there with so much natural wildlife, and it’s so sad that anyone could think that they can just go and do whatever they want and chop down whatever they want for their own convenience.”
The couple said they reached out to the council on multiple occasions regarding the incident.
“We have contacted the mayor, CEO and planning executives… and they are investigating the incident,” said de Jong.
“We urgently need the damage remediated, the debris removed and the trees replaced. Surely there are penalties for this criminal behaviour.”
Cr David Gill said there is only circumstantial evidence, which the council can’t prosecute based on.
“We need direct evidence… or we need someone who’s directly seen them do it and can identify people,” said Gill.
Shire CEO Mark Stoermer said native vegetation is an essential part of the peninsula’s environment and contributes to the character and biodiversity of the region.
“The shire has investigated the reported removal of native vegetation at the site and will use all available regulatory and enforcement powers where breaches are identified,” said Stoermer.
First published in the Mornington News – 15 September 2026
