Georges River Council has successfully prosecuted a resident of the local area for the unauthorised removal of a tree and damaging six trees on Council property.
Appearing in Sutherland Local Court on January 30, the resident pleaded guilty to removing a Palm Tree from their property and to significantly pruning six trees at Gannons Park, Peakhurst Heights, without consent.
A council spokesman said the resident had engaged a tree removalist to remove the tree from their property and to cut back the trees in Gannons Park.
As a result, the resident was fined a total of $6,500, $500 of which was to cover Council’s legal costs.
“Georges River Council places a strong emphasis on protecting trees throughout the local area and actively investigates instances of unauthorised tree removal or damage,” a council spokesman said.
“In any instance where members of the local area engage in the unauthorised removal of trees, Council will pursue legal action.
“The great number of trees throughout the local area is a significant feature of Georges River and removing any trees without the proper authorisation takes away from the natural beauty of the area,” he said.
Residents seeing any instances where people are removing trees without authorisation, should contact the council on 9330 6400 to provide details.