Police continue to search for vandals who struck in Kyneton Botanic Gardens earlier this month.
A shed at the public gardens was broken into and the recycled water irrigation system was damaged some time between Thursday, February 1, and Monday, February 5.
The lock on the shed door was destroyed and the electronic monitor and hard drive that ran the irrigation system was stolen, according to Kyneton police.
Macedon Ranges assets and operations director Dale Thornton said the attack had left the watering system inoperable.
“It is disappointing to see this kind of damage inflicted on a local community asset,” Mr Thornton said.
“The park relies on irrigation to water the large number of trees and shrubs in the garden, and to have it attacked without regards for the consequences is frustrating.”
Lyn Currie, from Friends of Kyneton Botanic Gardens, said the vandalism was disheartening.
“To steal from the gardens is like stealing from the local community,” she said.
“The gardens is a sanctuary for visitors and locals alike, so it’s difficult to understand why someone would want to harm it in any way.”
Kyneton Botanic Gardens have been a beloved community space since it was established in 1858. The watering system is used to tend the garden’s large number of heritage-listed trees.
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Kyneton police on 5421 2900.
