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Illegal Tree Works
If you remove, damage or lop a tree without Council's consent, you may be liable for a fine of up to $1.1 million if prosecuted in the Land and Environment Court. In addition, the Court may direct an offender to plant new trees and vegetation and maintain them in a healthy state until mature, as well as providing a monetary security for the performance of this obligation. You may also be liable for a penalty for engaging a contractor to do the work on your behalf.
Council may sign post areas of tree vandalism and offer rewards of up to $10,000 for information leading to the successful prosecution of offender under the Tree Preservation Management.
To avoid breaching Council's Tree Preservation it is suggested that before any tree works are undertaken that the owner of the tree determine if they require Council consent. This may involve obtaining a copy of Council's Tree Preservation and positively identifying the tree on which the proposed works are to be carried out. Works undertaken on protected trees due to incorrect identification will be considered a breach.
