Angry: Port Macquarie Historical Society president Leonie Laws said acts such as these were a sign of 'utter disrespect'.
LION’S Lookout has suffered another attack by vandals – this time from hoons doing burn-outs on the grass.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a car or cars drove onto the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council land and riddled the muddy grass with tyre marks.
Poor lighting at the picturesque landmark made the area an opportune spot for hoons to cause trouble at night, Mid- North Coast Highway Patrol traffic supervisor John Carrero said.
“If you get caught doing an aggravated burn-out, you could face hefty fines of around $600 and have your car confiscated for three months,” Sergeant Carrero said. “It’s dangerous because the car could lose traction and hit another car or object.”
Late last year, a replica of a cannon built by Taree retiree Stewart Handsaker and erected at nearby Lion's Lookout was destroyed by vandals but has since been replaced.
Port Macquarie Historical Society president Leonie Laws said acts such as these were a sign of “utter disrespect”.
“Somebody has got to pay for the damage and it will be the ratepayers [in relation to the latest incident],” Mrs Laws said.
Lions Club Port Macquarie member Gerald Billing said a barrier should be placed around the grass to stop future damage.
“I’m not saying all the youngsters are disrespectful. The few bad apples should be learning from those who contribute positively to the town,” Mr Billing said.
Recreation and Buildings manager Liam Bulley said the council was unable to repair damage yet because of the soggy conditions.
“But once dry, it is expected that a mower can be used to tidy and flatten out the affected area,” Mr Bulley said.
“The damage, a result of illegal activity, is disappointing as council resources and money must be shifted.”
“The money would have to come from the existing works program in order to repair the popular community area.” Nearby, on the road at the corner of Lord and Stewart streets, white spray paint spelt out RIP Gavin, a legacy of Saturday night’s tribute to car crash victim Gavin Langdown.
About 100 family and friends gathered at Lion’s Lookout to pay tribute to Gavin who died in a single-vehicle crash in Blackmans Point Road on Wednesday morning last week.
Sgt Carrero said, while no witnesses had come forward, evidence suggested the two acts of vandalism could be linked.
“There are other ways to pay tribute to a friend,” Sgt Carrero said.
The Langdown family was unaware of the damage and did not wish to comment further.
If you have any further information about the incident, you are urged to telephone the Port Macquarie police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.