Castle Cove tree vandals could be liable for up to $4.6 million if this NSW government proposal gets the green light

The NSW state government wants to make it harder for tree vandals to get away with their crimes.

Author

Melissa Mantle
April 23, 2025

More than 250 trees were hacked down in Castle Cove’s H. D. Robb Reserve in 2023 - and no one was ever convicted.

Now, the NSW government is proposing major changes to crack down on tree vandalism, including tripling fines and even introducing jail time for extreme cases.

Under the proposed laws, corporations could be fined up to $4.6 million for mass destruction, and individuals could face penalties in the millions.

The reforms also aim to toughen enforcement and transparency.

Watch the North Shore Lorikeet’s report below for the latest on this push to protect Sydney’s tree canopy and what it could mean for your neighbourhood: