Another mass killing of trees has taken place in Longueville on Sydney's lower north shore, just months after more than 200 were cut down in a nearby suburb.

I wonder if the fines are enough, assuming they find the people? I've heard that it's cheaper or more profitable to just accept the fines.

Councils can issue a maximum on-the-spot fine of $3,000 for illegal tree removals by individuals, or $6,000 for businesses. Mr Wrightson said the council was getting legal advice about the best course of action, which could include seeking penalties of up to $1 million through a prosecution in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

300 tress x $6000 = $1.8million

That's big if you chopped the trees for one house, but what if you chopped them for 10? Perhaps you would still get more than $180,000 extra each if they had better views?

  • quicken@aussie.zone
    ·
    11 months ago

    Unobstructed water views are the most highly prized, with some estimating they can add between 30 and 80 per cent to a property's value.

    https://daphnesauvage.com/local-news/whats-the-value-of-a-sydney-harbour-view

    Well worth the risk as even if the fine is paid in full they'll still make a profit.

  • bestusername@aussie.zone
    ·
    11 months ago

    I don't understand; why do this? If someone gains a "better" view, then isn't it blindingly obvious who cut them down?

    • WaterWaiver@aussie.zone
      ·
      11 months ago

      That's probably not enough to hold up in court. They could be getting framed by a competitor builder. The trees might have been accidentally cut (eg a contractor misinterpreting the location). All sorts of things.

  • kowcop@aussie.zone
    ·
    11 months ago

    pisspoor fines.. just the cost of doing business. So their multi-million dollar property now has better multi million dollar views. House should be turned into rubble and converted into a park