As much as 300 timber and different vegetation have been illegally destroyed at a harbour-view reserve within the newest in a string of tree killings in rich Sydney suburbs.
Lane Cove Council is investigating the unlawful tree felling of as much as 100 timber and the destruction of a whole bunch of vegetation and shrubs at Woodford Bay Reserve at Longueville.
Lane Cove Mayor Scott Bennison needs to “throw the e-book” on the tree vandals.Credit score: Janie Barrett
Mayor Scott Bennison mentioned the council believed it knew who was accountable, describing the incident final week because the worst act of environmental vandalism in Lane Cove historical past.
“The land is zoned an ecologically endangered neighborhood, and we’re additionally involved in regards to the animals that took habitat in that space, and whether or not, within the unlawful elimination of these timber, these animals have now misplaced their habitat, or had been injured or killed,” he mentioned.
The council will probably be searching for prosecution within the Land and Setting Court docket with employees documenting every misplaced tree for proof in future authorized proceedings.
“We are actually searching for authorized recommendation as to what we do subsequent, and we goal to throw the e-book at them so to talk. The courts can impose a most penalty of $1 million, however traditionally they’ve been reluctant to take action. We’re actually seeking to the courtroom system to set an instance right here,” Bennison mentioned.
“Don’t be so egocentric, and in case you’re going to be egocentric, then we’re coming for you, and we’re going to fantastic you considerably. They’re those who make hundreds of thousands of {dollars} from the views, on the expense of residents having fun with the bushland, and it’s simply not on.”
Longueville native Robert Energy’s residence overlooks the reserve. He was shocked to study of the “unhappy and disturbing” vandalism after 13 years of dwelling close by.