Shocking reason a woman’s dying wish was ignored by council could happen to you
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For many, a home is more than just bricks and mortar—it is the backdrop to cherished memories, a place of sanctuary, and sometimes the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
One modest apartment with sweeping harbour views was exactly that—until a dispute with the local council over a simple request turned into a poignant and frustrating final chapter—a fight that continued even after its owner’s passing.
Elizabeth Beerworth, who passed away at 80 after a long struggle with dementia, spent her last years fixated on a single, heartfelt wish: to have the towering trees across from her apartment pruned, so she could continue to enjoy the spectacular harbour view she’d cherished for decades.
It was a view she’d worked hard for, buying the apartment after her children left home, and it brought her immense joy.
Her daughter, Sally, recalled, ‘It was the happiest time of her life—she loved it.’
For years, the local Manly Council honoured an informal agreement to keep the trees trimmed, ensuring Elizabeth’s view remained unobstructed.
‘I remember being on the phone with her and she’d say, "the tree man’s here,"’ Sally reminisces.
But in 2016, everything changed. The newly formed Northern Beaches Council refused to honour the old arrangement, citing a new Tree Management Policy that set strict criteria for pruning requests: a minimum of five years’ ownership and proof that more than 75 per cent of the view had been lost.
Despite moving into care after her dementia diagnosis, Elizabeth never let go of her concern for the trees.
Even as her ability to communicate faded, she would repeat, ‘the trees, the trees, the trees’—a testament to how much the view meant to her. It was one of the last things she ever said.
After Elizabeth’s passing, Sally and her siblings inherited the apartment and, determined to honour their mother’s dying wish, fought with the council.
They offered to pay for the pruning themselves, enlisted a solicitor, and made repeated requests. Each time, they were met with a firm ‘no’. Eventually, the council sent a final note: they would not discuss the matter any further.
‘For us, it’s highly emotional because mum was so passionate about it. I just kind of feel like I’m letting mum down,’ Sally admits.
‘I just thought this is lousy—mum has lived in the area since 1973. I’m not asking them to pave the beachfront or something.’
The impact of a lost view isn’t just emotional—it can be financial, too. Real estate expert Bill Malouf estimates that an obscured water view can knock as much as 30 per cent off a property’s value.
‘Water views do have an effect on a property—as long as your living area’s got the view,’ he explained.
And while some councils in Sydney have previously trimmed trees to protect residents’ views, these services are increasingly being withdrawn, leaving homeowners with little recourse.
Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the things that matter most to us can be overlooked by bureaucracy. It’s also a call to action for all of us to protect the little joys that make our homes special.
Have you ever had a similar experience with your local council, or struggled to protect a cherished view or garden? Do you think councils should do more to honour long-standing agreements with residents, especially those who have contributed to the community for decades? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
Read more: Act now or pay up: Aussies could get hit with $3,800 fines for this everyday mistake
One modest apartment with sweeping harbour views was exactly that—until a dispute with the local council over a simple request turned into a poignant and frustrating final chapter—a fight that continued even after its owner’s passing.
Elizabeth Beerworth, who passed away at 80 after a long struggle with dementia, spent her last years fixated on a single, heartfelt wish: to have the towering trees across from her apartment pruned, so she could continue to enjoy the spectacular harbour view she’d cherished for decades.
It was a view she’d worked hard for, buying the apartment after her children left home, and it brought her immense joy.
Elderly Manly resident fought for years to keep trees from blocking her harbour view. Credit: Depositphotos
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Her daughter, Sally, recalled, ‘It was the happiest time of her life—she loved it.’
For years, the local Manly Council honoured an informal agreement to keep the trees trimmed, ensuring Elizabeth’s view remained unobstructed.
‘I remember being on the phone with her and she’d say, "the tree man’s here,"’ Sally reminisces.
But in 2016, everything changed. The newly formed Northern Beaches Council refused to honour the old arrangement, citing a new Tree Management Policy that set strict criteria for pruning requests: a minimum of five years’ ownership and proof that more than 75 per cent of the view had been lost.
Despite moving into care after her dementia diagnosis, Elizabeth never let go of her concern for the trees.
Even as her ability to communicate faded, she would repeat, ‘the trees, the trees, the trees’—a testament to how much the view meant to her. It was one of the last things she ever said.
After Elizabeth’s passing, Sally and her siblings inherited the apartment and, determined to honour their mother’s dying wish, fought with the council.
They offered to pay for the pruning themselves, enlisted a solicitor, and made repeated requests. Each time, they were met with a firm ‘no’. Eventually, the council sent a final note: they would not discuss the matter any further.
‘I just thought this is lousy—mum has lived in the area since 1973. I’m not asking them to pave the beachfront or something.’
The impact of a lost view isn’t just emotional—it can be financial, too. Real estate expert Bill Malouf estimates that an obscured water view can knock as much as 30 per cent off a property’s value.
‘Water views do have an effect on a property—as long as your living area’s got the view,’ he explained.
And while some councils in Sydney have previously trimmed trees to protect residents’ views, these services are increasingly being withdrawn, leaving homeowners with little recourse.
Elizabeth’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the things that matter most to us can be overlooked by bureaucracy. It’s also a call to action for all of us to protect the little joys that make our homes special.
Read more: Act now or pay up: Aussies could get hit with $3,800 fines for this everyday mistake
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