Council Calls for Community to Help Protect CBD Planter Boxes

Published on 29 January 2026

Burdekin Shire Council is calling on the community to help address ongoing theft and vandalism of street side planter boxes across the Ayr, Home Hill and Brandon CBD areas.

Council’s Parks team installs and maintains the planter boxes as part of ongoing efforts to beautify and enhance local business districts. However, in recent months staff have been faced with an increasing number of incidents where plants have been stolen or deliberately damaged — in some cases, on a daily basis.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the behaviour is disappointing and has a significant cost to the community.

“Council’s Parks team takes great pride in maintaining our CBD planter boxes, and it is disheartening for staff to see their efforts repeatedly undone,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“Within the last two months, officers have estimated up to 100 plants have needed replacement. Replacing these plants and repairing the damage caused is not only costly for Council - it also takes time away from the many other important tasks carried out across the Shire.

“Residents looking to enhance their own gardens are encouraged to visit the Lower Burdekin Landcare Association, where a wide range of locally suited plants are available for purchase.”

Council is encouraging residents, business owners and visitors to stay alert and report any suspicious activity around the planter boxes.

Incidents can be reported to Council on (07) 4783 9800 or to Queensland Police via Policelink on 131 444.