The common has been regularly targeted by vandals in the past with a fire lit in the Rotunda in 2008 and other attacks.

Early this week, it was discovered that two of conifers around two metres high near the Common had been snapped off.

Vandals also attacked the barbecue areas, and in one case clods of earth were thrown over the walls of the toilet block.

A well-known and friendly black spotted duck that was a favourite of many residents living near the common was cruelly beaten to death with a stick by the vandals, and several of the other surviving ducks had broken legs due to similar attacks.

Residents in the area around the common are outraged.

Resident Jill Evans said she is disgusted and devastated that people could treat the animals so brutally.

She said that the duck had been considered a real treasure by those who visited the Common.

Mrs Evans said that many mothers in the area take little children down to the Common to feed the duck.

“I can see how much goes on down at the Common and it breaks my heart that they would kill the duck,” she said.

Mrs Evans also said that littering is a huge problem at the common, with several alcohol bottles and cans strewn about.

Mrs Evans' outrage was shared by many of the councillors at the Ordinary Oberon Council meeting on Tuesday night.

Mayor Keith Sullivan said that he could not believe that such activities could occur without anyone witnessing the events.

Councillor John McMahon said he was disgusted with the acts of cruelty.

“It's just not on. I think the perpetrators should be dealt with severely,” he said.

Oberon police have been informed of the vandal attacks and are investigating.

The council is keen to catch those responsible and is seeking assistance from the community by offering a $1500 reward for information that leads to prosecution of the offenders.