THEFT of a sign that has huge sentimental value to Rosewood residents has angered Masons Gully Bushcare Site volunteers.
The sign was unveiled by the late Arnold Rieck in 2022.
Arnold led the Masons Gully Revegetation Project and was a respected horticulturist and arborist.
He died not long after the unveiling.
The theft also upset his wife Joyce because it was a touching tribute to her late husband’s life.
“Our neighbours live in the house next to the Masons Gully Bushcare site,” explained site leader Chris Rinehart.
“Last Saturday afternoon they heard some noise coming from the area, looked and saw the sign had been removed.
“They saw a young fellow remove the sign and carry it off under his arm while riding a pushbike down Arnold Rieck Walkway.”
She said the couple, deciding to investigate, drove to the end of the Arnold Rieck Walkway to try to identify who’d taken it, but were unable to find him.
“John reported it to the police, … it happened on Saturday morning … in broad daylight,” she said.
“It was a metal sign that was pop-riveted onto a metal frame and somehow they’ve pulled it off the frame.
“Who knows what they’re going to do with it, maybe they’ve dumped it in a bush and someone will find it, but anyway, it’s gone.”
The sign was erected and paid for by the Ipswich City Council.
On it was information about the rare Bailey’s Cypress Pine.
It was unveiled by Arnold during a community planting day on July 30, 2022.
“Bailey’s Cypress Pine was one of Arnold’s favourite plants and we planted a small forest of them behind that sign,” she said.
“It was the only sign there that described one of the Rosewood scrub species, and it’s a very rare species.
“Having it stolen is a slap in the face for the many volunteers who put in time to take care of the area’s plant life.”
Chris has also let council know the sign has been stolen and they are working with Masons Gully Bushcare site volunteers in this regard.
