Longueville: Neighbourhood war breaks out as Lane Cove Council plots petty revenge after trees were illegally chopped down
A city council has responded in ultimate revenge after residents of an affluent neighbourhood cut down hundreds of trees to get a better view of the harbour.
In November 2023, more than 290 trees were illegally felled around properties in Woodford Bay Reserve in Longueville, on Sydney’s north shore.
Lane Cove City Council was forced to clean up the damage, calling the behaviour at the time the ‘worst act of environmental vandalism’ in history.
Since then, residents of waterfront homes on Arabella Street have enjoyed unobstructed views of the iconic skyline and harbour
But those days are soon over as the council is pushing ahead with plans to put up a huge banner to block the view.
The seven-metre long and two-metre high barrier will be accompanied by a sign reading: ‘Trees should not die for a view’.
Construction began this week when bags of cement were delivered to the site. The banner is expected to be up within two weeks.
An artist’s impression of the banner received online support from the community, with some residents saying it was a much better punishment than a fine.
Lane Cove Council was forced to remove the trees that had been brutally chopped down, calling the behaviour the ‘worst act of environmental vandalism’ in history. Pictured is the area where trees were cut down near a site near the Woodford Bay Reserve
The council is building a strong criminal case against those responsible.
“At the time, the council chose not to immediately impose a fine, as the scale and seriousness of the violation warranted investigating criminal prosecution,” a spokesperson said. Nine news.
‘After legal advice, the council has started imposing the highest possible sentence. Since then, the required evidence and information have been carefully collected.’
The council has reportedly received permission to place the banner in the area, where the average house price is more than $3 million.
According to the council, the sign was placed to obstruct the view of the residents, who profit from the large-scale felling of trees.
βThe legal action and the installation of the banner are important steps in our efforts to take the strongest possible action to send a strong message that we stand strong against tree vandalism in Lane Cove,β the council said.
The seven-metre long and two-metre high barrier (pictured) is expected to be fully erected within the next two weeks
Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts called the destruction of the trees a “criminal act” and urged the state government to review penalties for offenders.
It is believed that the council has plans to restore growth of the damaged tree species.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the council for further comment.
Local governments are responsible for managing the tree population in NSW.
Trees that are higher than three metres or have a crown that is wider than two metres may only be felled with the permission of the municipality.
Anyone who illegally cuts down a tree in NSW could face a fine of up to $1.1 million.