Sydney, Australia: Local council retaliates after case of mass tree vandalism.

"…Council’s pursuit of justice steps up following the largest tree vandalism case in Lane Cove’s recent history taking place in Longueville last year.

In November 2023, more than 290 trees from a Threatened Ecological Community were illegally destroyed on the foreshore of Woodford Bay.

At the time Council chose not to immediately issue a penalty infringement notice, recognising the scale and seriousness of the offence warranted the exploration of criminal prosecution.

Following legal advice, Council began the process of pursuing the strongest possible penalty and since then the required standards of evidence and information has been carefully gathered. Council continues to liaise regularly with its legal team to assist in building a case before lodgement with the Court.

As part of its response, Council has been working to gain approval for the installation of a 7metre long and 2metre high banner to interrupt the harbour view of the property which would most benefit from the mass clearing of the trees. As the area is classified as a Threatened Ecological Community and contains some items of Aboriginal Heritage, it was important the appropriate approvals were in place before installing the signage. Having obtained approval from key stakeholders and following no objections from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) installation of the banner structure started this week. (Artist impression pictured above).

Council staff have continued to monitor the health of the affected tree species, which included Eucalypts (incl. Angophora), Banksia and Casuarina to facilitate regeneration of the site.

The legal case and banner installation are important steps in our commitment to seeking the strongest possible recourse response to send a message that we stand tall against tree vandalism in Lane Cove…."

Source: https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Council-News/Standing-tall-against-tree-vandalism