Longueville Archives - Longueville News

Tougher Fines Proposed After Tree Vandalism in Longueville and Across NSW

Last year witnessed the devastating tree vandalism of over 550 trees in Longueville and Castle Cove. This illegal destruction has led to proposed significantly increased penalties for individuals and corporations who clear trees without permission, a move intended to tackle the growing problem of tree vandalism across Sydney.

Proposed Penalty Increases

Under the new rules being considered, individuals could face fines of up to $6,000 for each illegally removed tree, and companies could face penalties as high as $18,000 per tree. The government is also considering even tougher penalties for those who repeatedly break the rules or damage trees in important environmental areas like heritage sites, foreshores, and nature reserves.

Council members will also be encouraged to calculate fines based on the number of trees destroyed rather than issue a fine for the overall incident. A company illegally clearing a dozen trees could be fined over $200,000.

Recent Incidents Highlight the Issue

The push for stronger penalties comes after several significant cases of tree vandalism. In Longueville’s Woodford Bay Reserve, almost 290 trees were destroyed last year. Around the same time, in Castle Cove, an area equivalent to 14 tennis courts saw the destruction of 265 trees.

More recently, in December, four magenta lilly-pilly trees were destroyed in Allman Park in Ashfield, leading Inner West Council to consider legal action and explore whether the costs of removing the damaged trees and planting new ones can be recovered. Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor stated that Council had to drop its investigation into a 2022 incident where 250 trees were destroyed due to insufficient evidence. She described the location as a “barren wasteland” where over 250 trees, including an 80-year-old angophora, once stood.

Broader Implications and Government Response

The proposed reforms also include a plan to record instances of illegal tree clearing on property planning certificates. Future changes may also make prosecuting those responsible for illegal tree removal easier. In very serious cases, the possibility of jail time is being considered.

Minister for Planning Paul Scully explained that these changes are important for better protecting the existing tree canopy, especially as housing density increases in urban areas. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe added that tackling illegal tree clearing is vital to the state’s efforts to deal with worsening urban heat.

Community and Council Support

Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM, president of Local Government NSW, welcomed the proposed tougher penalties. She stated that ensuring the penalties are strong enough to discourage the few who believe they are above the law is essential. The public has until June 4 to provide feedback on these proposed changes.

Published Date 09-May-2025

Longueville Substation Site Sale Draws Community Criticism Online

Photo Credit: Belle Property

An energy company subsidiary is selling several small, unusual blocks of land containing live electricity substations as potential home sites across Sydney’s north shore, including a property in Longueville that has drawn significant community attention.

Unusual Properties Hit Market

Slivers of land measuring only around 100 square metres are being sold in desirable suburbs such as Hunters Hill, Longueville, Willoughby, Mosman, and Chatswood. These narrow lots feature installed active green electricity boxes and legal easements allowing maintenance workers continued access for upkeep and repairs. It is understood an Ausgrid subsidiary is selling the properties, which are zoned R2 for low-density housing, because the energy provider no longer needs them.

Three of the eight sites identified were scheduled for auction over the weekend following the report, while a 101-square-metre Mosman block, marketed as offering “untapped potential”, was set for auction on April 30 with a $475,000 price guide. While official price guides were not issued for most properties ahead of auction, local sources suggested at least one could sell for upwards of $700,000.

Community Voices Concerns

The sales have sparked bemused and angry reactions online. Some community members commenting on social media have labelled the decision to sell the land for housing as “disgusting” and an example of “greed”. Concerns about the possible noise and disruption associated with living next to functioning electricity infrastructure were also raised.

The Longueville listing on Kenneth Street, promoted as a “compact block” offering “endless potential”, attracted particular online commentary, ranging from puzzled to furious responses. One social media user questioned if the listing was a joke, while another expressed dismay, stating, “God they are desperate”.

A frequent point of disappointment raised online was that the small blocks were not being converted into public green spaces or parks for wildlife and local residents instead of being sold for what would likely be very small homes. Humorous comments were also made, ironically referencing the “Australian dream” and joking about potential dangers.

Agent Notes Buyer Interest

While coordinating most of the sales, Belle Property agent Simon Harrison described the sites as “too unique” to easily set a price, stating he had never sold anything comparable. Despite the challenges, he reported the properties were attracting “a lot of interest”, partly because they offered a chance to buy into popular suburbs at a potentially lower price point.

Mr Harrison indicated interest came from first-home buyers and established families looking to build. However, he acknowledged that constructing a home on such small plots would require considerable creativity, likely resulting in smaller one- to two-bedroom dwellings. He also stated that the electricity kiosks do not make noise and are safe.

Strong interest was noted from direct neighbours looking to purchase the land to expand their existing properties. This was reportedly the case for the Hunters Hill site on Foss Street, described as a trickier L-shaped block, and a Lane Cove West site considered potentially wide enough for a driveway.

Published Date 14-April-2025

Longueville Sailing Club Lane Cove 12ft Hosts Sabot Class on Australia Day Regatta

Photo Credit: Romina Power/Facebook

Longueville’s Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club (SSC) hosted the sabot class during the annual Australia Day Regatta on the last Saturday of January 2019. Sailors young and old came together to support and recognise the new members who have just learned to sail during the 2018-2019 season.

The winners of the regatta from the sabot class, who are typically between the ages of eight to 16 years old, were privileged to attend the awards ceremony and dinner at the Sydney Town Hall.

However, the whole day event was also a time for family members and friends of the club to get to acquainted and learn more sailing tips from each other. The young sailors and their families were also asked to participate and have fun in the novelty games and other activities prepared for Australia Day.

Lunch during the Australia Day Regatta was held on the deck, while the guests also had afternoon tea to wind up the celebrations by 4:00 p.m.

As with most sailing clubs in the country, the Australia Day Regatta was not an event to miss since this the oldest sailing event in the world. The tradition started in 1837 with five different categories of sailboat racing.

*Photo Credit:* *Australian National Maritime Museum/Flickr*

Members of the Lane Cove 12ft SSC in Longueville, on the other hand, have observed the regatta tradition since the club was established around 1896 or 1897.

Today, the club has 400 members in three different classes held every Saturdays from September through April. Members sail and compete with each other to hone their skills at the Lane Cove River or the Upper Harbour.

*Photo Credit:* *Lane Cove 12ft SSC/Facebook*

Lane Cove 12ft SSC is located on Stuart Street near the Aquatic Park and the Longuevill Reserve. For membership inquiries, you may email membership@lc12ftssc.org.au.