Can anything more be done to stop the North Shore’s tree vandalism crisis?

The bush and tree-lined streets might be one of the first things people recognise about the north shore – but this natural environment is being threatened. Tree vandalism, driven by the lure of rising property values and potentially unobstructed harbour views, has seen hundreds of trees poisoned or cut down across the northern suburbs in unapproved acts that local and state governments are struggling to control. 

Increasingly more common, tree vandalism refers to the illegal removal or killing of trees on public and private land. It includes poisoning, chainsawing, or drilling holes into the trunks of trees to cause injury. In this context, tree vandalism is occurring in an effort to increase water views, thus increasing the value of local homes. 

In 2023, In the Cove reported a mass tree vandalism event where almost 300 trees were illegally removed in Lane Cove. Later, another 9 Port Jackson Fig trees were poisoned in Balmoral, and an additional 260 trees were poisoned and chainsawed in Castle Cove, as reported by Guardian Australia. More recently, over 30 trees were vandalised by drilling, cutting, and poisoning in Hunters Hill.  In Woolwich and Hunters Hill, locals are passionately fighting to save a century old Port Jackson Fig Tree against a calculated act of poisoning. According to SMH, it is likely that the mass vandalism event in Castle Cove was a team effort because of the sheer scale of the event. 

The secretive nature of tree vandalism makes it exceptionally hard to successfully prevent or prosecute. Local Councils have the power to issue on the spot fines of up to $3000 for individuals, and $6000 for businesses. However, perpetrators may factor this relatively minor amount into their initial cost of removing the trees, and find it has no impact against the significant value of a clear harbour view. And that’s if you even catch them.

It’s not just the North Shore, either. Earlier this year, in south Sydney’s Brighton-Le-Sands, Bayside Council placed a shipping container near the beach after trees were poisoned at the foreshore.

For a fine to be issued, perpetrators must be caught in the act. In mid 2023, Willoughby City Council (WCC) put out a $10,000 reward to find those responsible for the mass tree vandalism event in Castle Cove. A WCC spokesperson told the North Shore Lorikeet “at this time, no charges have been laid.” The WCC investigation involved council rangers pursuing leads to gather evidence, monetary rewards, and was still futile.

If you are suspicious of any future incidents of tree vandalism occurring, Planning Minister Paul Scully suggests referring the matter to police, making it more likely a criminal offence can be prosecuted. Of course, it is still a good idea to alert your local council too. They have the power to issue penalties, cautions, and on the spot fines. 

Willoughby Council says that “tree vandalism is an issue that is regularly dealt with by most councils,” and last year Ku-ring-gai Council told the SMH it had issued 47 penalties and 43 cautions for illegal tree removal.

The Land and Environment Court, under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979,  is able to fine up to 1.1 million dollars and give those found guilty a criminal record. But these larger fines are understandably less intimidating when successful prosecution is exceptionally difficult. 

Last year, Lane Cove Council took a different approach, erecting a banner to block harbour views until all vegetation is regrown to a suitable height. Similar banners and billboards were launched in Castle Cove, and have either been removed due to resident complaints or simply fallen due to failed upkeep. 

Willoughby City Council say they will “continue to advocate on these issues with the State Government”.

But for now, tree vandalism remains an ongoing problem.

Image Source: Lane Cove Council