The project, lead by Bermagui Dune Care in conjunction with Bega Valley Shire Council, involved replanting native vegetation on some of the cleared areas of the headland.

Council’s Natural Assets Officer, Andrew Morrison expressed his frustration by saying members of Bermagui Dune Care had volunteered hundreds of hours to the project.

“They have done a fantastic job over a number of years, and shown great dedication to enhancing the coastal environment,” Mr Morrison said.

“It is disappointing that their efforts are hampered by selfish acts like this”.

The aim of the project is to provide habitat for wildlife and to improve the look and feel of this rugged coastal environment.

A spokesperson for Bermagui Dune Care said they were devastated at the theft of the public property.

“The guards and stakes were bought using a grant from Bega Valley Shire Council, and without them the young plants are unlikely to survive in the harsh coastal position,” the spokesperson said.

The green coloured guards are triangular, made from corflute plastic, and chosen for their strength to give iprotection to the plants at the “windy and salty” location, they said.

"It is a sad indictment on society when people steal from a volunteer group trying to improve the coastal environment for everyone to enjoy,” the spokesperson said.

Anyone with information can contact Bega Valley Shire Council on 64992222.