Noosa Heads trees poisoned in suspected vandalism attack will remain standing

Noosa Shire Council's Kerri Coyle is part of a team investigating the poisoned trees. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Ross)

Poisoned trees in front of a luxurious Noosa Heads apartment complex will not be removed but have vines planted around them to keep them upright, the local council has said.

A Noose Shire Council investigation found a clump of 12 trees that border the Noosa River on private land were killed with herbicide.

Residents first reported the trees during January.

The council's development assessment manager Kerrie Coyle said the poisoned trees included Bribie Island pines that were estimated to be about 60 years old.

"They've killed off some really old, mature trees," she said.

"This is quite an important wildlife corridor … with koalas travelling from Noosa National Park all the way along there."

About eight trees in one section were poisoned, along with four other trees nearby. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Ross)

Dead trees to remain

The council suspected the trees were poisoned by a resident hoping to improve their view.

"This area sort of looks out over Noosa Sound … towards Noosa Heads," Ms Coyle said.

"We suspect that the trees were poisoned to open up views, but we're not sure."

The trees were poisoned near a luxury property in Noosa. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Ross)

The council will not remove the trees but instead work with the body corporate of the Settler's Cove apartment complex to plant native vines that keep them upright. 

"It is expected those those trees will remain in place for some time, even though they've died off, and they just become sort of like a big sentinel pole in place," Ms Coyle said. 

The body corporate will also work with the council to plant replacement trees, instal nesting boxes to support native wildlife, and remediate the soil to remove the herbicides.

The area is part of a protected vegetation covenant on privately-owned land.

Anyone found to poison, damage or clear native vegetation in breach of a planning scheme will face infringements and possible prosecution by the council.

The poisoned trees in Noosa can be seen from the other side of the river. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Ross)

The local government is urging members of the public to come forward with information.

"Our environment is precious, and we really need to look after it," Ms Coyle said.

"If people are concerned about trees and feel that they should be removed, they need to come in and contact council before taking things into their own hands."