A local council has retaliated in a final act of revenge after entitled residents in an affluent neighbourhood destroyed hundreds of trees to get a better view of the harbour waterfront.
More than 290 trees surrounding properties in the Woodford Bay Reserve in Longueville on Sydney’s north shore were illegally felled in November 2023.
Lane Cove Council was forced to clean up the damage and called the behaviour at the time the “worst act of environmental vandalism” in history.
Since then, residents with waterfront homes on Arabella Street have enjoyed unobstructed views of the iconic skyline and harbour.
But those days will soon be over as the council presses ahead with plans to erect a huge banner to block the view.
The barrier, seven metres long and two metres high, will include a sign that reads: “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 put up within the next two weeks.
An artist’s impression of the banner attracted support from the community when it was shared online, with some residents suggesting it was a much better punishment than a fine.
Lane Cove Council was forced to cut down the trees that had been brutally felled, describing the behaviour as the “worst act of environmental vandalism” in history. Pictured here is the area where the trees were felled near a property close to the Woodford Bay reserve.
The council is building a strong criminal case against those responsible.
“At that time, the council decided not to immediately issue a penalty infringement notice, recognising that the scale and seriousness of the infringement warranted the exploration of criminal proceedings,” a spokesperson said. Nine news.
‘Following legal advice, the board began the process of seeking the most severe penalty possible and has since carefully compiled the required standards of evidence and information.’
The council is understood to have received approval to erect the banner in the area, where the median home price is more than $3 million.
The council said the move to build the sign was designed to obstruct the views of residents who benefited from the massive tree felling.
“The legal case and the installation of the banner are important steps in our commitment to seek the strongest possible recourse response to send a message that we stand firm against tree vandalism in Lane Cove,” the council said.
The seven-metre-long and two-metre-high barrier (pictured) is expected to be fully installed within the next fortnight.
Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts called the destruction of the trees a “criminal act” and urged the state government to review the penalties imposed on offenders.
It is understood the council has plans to replenish the growth of damaged tree species.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the council for further comment.
Local councils are responsible for managing tree populations in New South Wales.
Trees that are more than three metres tall or have a crown that is more than two metres wide require council approval before being removed.
Anyone who removes a tree illegally in New South Wales can be fined up to $1.1 million.
