Tree vandalism a disgrace

The first stage of the long-awaited Chinatown beautification project has been marred by a "senseless act of vandalism".

Despite metal barriers surrounding their growing trunks, two of the 19 semi-mature Indian beech trees planted just weeks ago along Carnarvon Street to provide much-needed shade, have been snapped in half.

They cost $500 each but once transport fees to truck them from Darwin to Broome, and planting and material costs are taken into account, the individual price jumps to about $2500.

Shire president Graeme Campbell said he was bitterly disappointed with "this senseless act of vandalism".

"We will be replacing the trees but, of course, that comes at a cost," he said.

"It is disappointing that people do not respect what is being done for Chinatown."

Mr Campbell said CCTV footage would be investigated from surrounding buildings.

"The trees have a metal barrier around them to a certain height, but it appears the trunks have been snapped by someone swinging on them above the fence," he said.

Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Tony Proctor said the vandalism was an insult to the many people in Broome working hard to make the town a great place to live and work.

"There is absolutely no place for vandalism by people who destroy assets of the community and the hard work that people have put in by creating them," he said.

A miniature garden forms the base of each tree and each is meant to have upward shining lights installed as it matures.

The project includes three shade structures along Carnarvon Street that were supposed to be completed by last month.

A contractor has been selected to build them and they are being pre-fabricated.

Installation is scheduled for August 29.