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
