Ku-ring-gai Council says the recent sentencing of a property owner over intentional damage caused to a Norfolk Island Pine in Killara is a powerful reminder of the need to protect the local area’s tree canopy.
Council received a call on its 24/7 ‘Tree Hotline’ about the illegal removal of the 24-metre tree on a private property.
The court heard that when a Council officer attended the site, tree loppers were caught red-handed with a crane and woodchipper packing up and a pile of freshly felled timber on the council verge.
The matter went to Hornsby Local Court in April, with the property owner sentenced for development without consent (removal of the tree), failing to comply with the request to provide information and records and failure to attend an interview.
The Judge imposed a $10,000 penalty and awarded prosecutors costs of $4,800.
Mayor, Christine Kay said the case stood as an important reminder to property owners, builders and developers on the risks of removing trees without consent.
“Ku-ring-gai Council is committed to protecting and maintaining our precious tree canopy, especially threatened species or those of biodiversity value,” Mayor Kay said.
“We have zero tolerance to these types of offences and welcome the sentencing in this case. While we cannot undo the damage done in this particular case, we hope that this will serve as an important reminder to property owners, builders and developers to always comply with conditions of consent, take measures to protect trees during works and never remove trees without Council permission.”
The sentencing follows another successful prosecution in the Local Court late last year, when a builder was ordered to pay a combined total of $62,000 in fines plus legal costs of more than $63,851 for the illegal removal of an Illawarra Flame tree, two Blackbutts, a Cypress tree and a Jacaranda tree.
For more information about protecting trees or to report illegal tree removal visit krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Trees.
