Tree Loppers Fined - Vaucluse, Sydney

JohN Dee · 17th January 2008, 08:47 PM

I found this while scowering the net. I think I may of already read it somewhere though.

Quote:

Two people have been prosecuted under the National Parks Act after they lopped trees within Sydney Harbour National Park at Vaucluse.

The two appeared at Waverley Local Court today and were fined a combined total of $1,100 plus court and professional costs totalling a further $700.

The men were photographed by National Parks staff on 25 July last year removing the top half of a number of 8 metre Casuarina trees at Hermit Point, in the Hermitage Foreshore Area which were blocking harbour views from an adjacent waterfront property.

A total of five trees were damaged in this act before National Parks staff were able to intervene when advised by local residents.

According to Waverley Local Court Magistrate, Bernard Kennedy, the two men who were prosecuted - a gardener and his contractor - appeared to be acting on behalf of the property owner.

The Magistrate also said that this type of offence is becoming more prevalent and it is up to the Courts to impose penalties that will deter future offenders as these trees are there for the benefit of the community and should not be cut without approval.

Causing damage to vegetation within a national park is an offence under clause 15 of the National Parks and Wildlife (Land Management) Regulations 1995 and attracts a maximum penalty of $1100.

The two men were fined $700 and $400 respectively.

Interesting, but a shame that the fine was so small that you can include it in the cost of doing business.

Eric Frei · 17th January 2008, 10:27 PM

Yeah, the magistrate says

Quote:

The Magistrate also said that this type of offence is becoming more prevalent and it is up to the Courts to impose penalties that will deter future offenders as these trees are there for the benefit of the community and should not be cut without approval.

Not much of a deterrent fine for opening up a million dollar view!

shaggs · 17th January 2008, 11:17 PM

Exactly right Ekka. Makes it more appealing to the wealthy when they get a massive increase in property value due to the "pruning"

17th January 2008, 11:17 PM	#3
shaggs Mature tree Join Date: May 2007 Location: sydney Posts: 422	Re: Tree Loppers Fined - Vaucluse, Sydney Exactly right Ekka. Makes it more appealing to the wealthy when they get a massive increase in property value due to the "pruning"

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