Bondi Residents Clash After Fake Council Workers Illegally Fell Street Tree
A group of men pretending to be contractors working for a local council have chopped down a tree on a quiet street in Bondi, Sydney's eastern suburbs, as residents clash over the foliage. The paperbark tree on New Street was cut down last month by a group wearing high-visibility outfits and armed with chainsaws, in an alleged act of illegal vandalism.
Council Confirms Workers Were Not Authorised
While the men were chopping its limbs, some displeased residents phoned Waverley Council to complain. By the time the council confirmed the men were not employed by them, most of the tree was gone, according to reports. It is not known who paid for the cutting of the tree or why, leaving the community divided and concerned.
Residents Express Anger and Relief Over Tree Removal
Residents, who requested to remain anonymous to avoid tension with neighbours, said they were upset by the act and how it would impact the local birdlife. One resident described it as a violation, questioning, 'If someone's prepared to pay for the cutting of the tree, what else are they prepared to do?'
However, another resident said she was pleased to see the tree being pruned. She explained she had regularly complained about the street's trees and debris that frequently blocked a stormwater drain near her property. 'I don't know who did it, but I know I'm not alone in wanting this tree and the trees in this area gone, or at least trimmed back, something. Dealt with. Figure out something,' she added.
Incident Follows Earlier Tree Poisonings on Same Street
The incident occurred around four months after three other trees were poisoned on the same street, indicating a pattern of unauthorised vegetation removal in the area. Illegal tree clearing is a crime with penalties of up to $1 million in New South Wales, and it comes as the NSW Government is considering introducing tougher penalties for such acts.
Potential Fines and Government Action
Under proposed changes, individuals could face fines of up to $6,000 per tree, and corporations could be fined as much as $18,000 per tree. Residents in NSW are encouraged to report any suspected unlawful native vegetation clearing to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Daily Mail has contacted Waverley Council for comment on the ongoing investigation.
