Act now or pay up: Aussies could get hit with $3,800 fines for this everyday mistake
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In a world where greenery is more precious than ever, it's disheartening to hear that the destruction of public trees—an act as thoughtless as it is illegal—is on the rise in Australia.
The latest warning comes from the council, which has dealt with multiple cases of vandalism on the same street and is now sending a stern reminder that such actions can lead to hefty fines.
The serene suburb of Malabar, in Sydney's east, has become an unfortunate example of this growing issue.
A young tree on Cromwell Place was recently found with drill holes at its base, a clear sign of intentional harm.
This wasn't an isolated incident; it was the fourth act of vandalism reported in the area over the past two years.
Margaret Hogg, a passionate advocate from Saving Sydney’s Trees, has been tracking these incidents across Australia, particularly in beach and waterfront suburbs.
'One can only speculate on the motivation behind such deliberate and illegal actions,' she said.
'However, without proof, that is all it is, as, believe it or not, there are actually people in the public sphere who view all trees as a nuisance. What is clear though, is that this is a selfish, ignorant, blatant and cowardly act of destruction of public property, amenities and environment.'
Randwick Council has taken a firm stance, declaring tree poisoning and vandalism as serious offences.
'Council staff undertook works to make the dead trees safe by completing 'habitat pruning' on both large trees in April 2024,' a spokesperson said.
They've responded proactively, reaching out to residents, installing warning signs, and even performing 'habitat pruning' to salvage what remains of the damaged trees for local wildlife.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists, with new trees planted by the council also suffering from suspected poisoning.
The financial repercussions for those caught in the act are significant. In Sydney, fines for tree vandalism can reach up to $3,000, while in Melbourne, the penalty can be as high as $3,800.
It's a costly reminder that the law takes the protection of our urban forests seriously.
In extreme cases, the NSW Land and Environment Court can impose fines of up to $1 million for severe illegal tree removal.
However, individual councils are limited to lower maximum penalties.
Margaret Hogg commends Randwick Council's dedication to addressing the issue and encourages continued vigilance in planting new trees and identifying the culprits.
She also highlighted the council's creative approach to deterrence, such as erecting large banners to block views that may motivate such vandalism, hoping that residents will rally against these destructive acts for future generations.
'They have in the past erected large banners to obstruct a view they saw as a motivation to send a message,' Margaret said.
'I'm sure the residents would not want this. We are hopeful this will stop, and more people will stand up for our urban forest, for our children's sake.'
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of preserving our natural surroundings for our children and grandchildren.
We urge our readers to be vigilant and report suspicious activities that could harm our trees.
It's also essential to understand the local regulations regarding tree maintenance and removal on your property to avoid unintentional breaches that could lead to fines.
In other news, Bassendean Council has implemented new tree protection rules, requiring approval for removing or damaging large regulated trees to boost canopy coverage.
Homeowners must follow strict policies when carrying out activities that could harm these trees, which are classified based on size and dimensions. You can read more about it here.
Have you noticed any similar issues in your area? What actions do you think could help prevent tree vandalism? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's foster a community that values and safeguards our natural heritage.
The latest warning comes from the council, which has dealt with multiple cases of vandalism on the same street and is now sending a stern reminder that such actions can lead to hefty fines.
The serene suburb of Malabar, in Sydney's east, has become an unfortunate example of this growing issue.
A young tree on Cromwell Place was recently found with drill holes at its base, a clear sign of intentional harm.
This wasn't an isolated incident; it was the fourth act of vandalism reported in the area over the past two years.
Poisoning public trees is considered a serious offence, with offenders facing substantial fines, warns Randwick Council. Credit: Facebook
Margaret Hogg, a passionate advocate from Saving Sydney’s Trees, has been tracking these incidents across Australia, particularly in beach and waterfront suburbs.
'One can only speculate on the motivation behind such deliberate and illegal actions,' she said.
'However, without proof, that is all it is, as, believe it or not, there are actually people in the public sphere who view all trees as a nuisance. What is clear though, is that this is a selfish, ignorant, blatant and cowardly act of destruction of public property, amenities and environment.'
Randwick Council has taken a firm stance, declaring tree poisoning and vandalism as serious offences.
'Council staff undertook works to make the dead trees safe by completing 'habitat pruning' on both large trees in April 2024,' a spokesperson said.
They've responded proactively, reaching out to residents, installing warning signs, and even performing 'habitat pruning' to salvage what remains of the damaged trees for local wildlife.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists, with new trees planted by the council also suffering from suspected poisoning.
The financial repercussions for those caught in the act are significant. In Sydney, fines for tree vandalism can reach up to $3,000, while in Melbourne, the penalty can be as high as $3,800.
It's a costly reminder that the law takes the protection of our urban forests seriously.
In extreme cases, the NSW Land and Environment Court can impose fines of up to $1 million for severe illegal tree removal.
However, individual councils are limited to lower maximum penalties.
Margaret Hogg commends Randwick Council's dedication to addressing the issue and encourages continued vigilance in planting new trees and identifying the culprits.
She also highlighted the council's creative approach to deterrence, such as erecting large banners to block views that may motivate such vandalism, hoping that residents will rally against these destructive acts for future generations.
'They have in the past erected large banners to obstruct a view they saw as a motivation to send a message,' Margaret said.
'I'm sure the residents would not want this. We are hopeful this will stop, and more people will stand up for our urban forest, for our children's sake.'
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of preserving our natural surroundings for our children and grandchildren.
It's not just about the beauty of our neighbourhoods; trees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, providing clean air, shade, and habitat for wildlife.We urge our readers to be vigilant and report suspicious activities that could harm our trees.
It's also essential to understand the local regulations regarding tree maintenance and removal on your property to avoid unintentional breaches that could lead to fines.
In other news, Bassendean Council has implemented new tree protection rules, requiring approval for removing or damaging large regulated trees to boost canopy coverage.
Homeowners must follow strict policies when carrying out activities that could harm these trees, which are classified based on size and dimensions. You can read more about it here.
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