Council issues fines for unauthorised tree clearing

Published on 17 February 2021

Property owners in the Byron Shire are reminded to check with Council before cutting down trees.

It comes after three fines of $3,000 were issued this month (February 2021) for the unauthorised and illegal removal of native trees on private property.

A property owner at Suffolk Park was fined $9,000 for the removal of three native trees.

Council staff are also investigating the removal of camphor laurel trees at Bangalow, which while not native, are considered as habitat for koalas and other native birds and animals.

“Our community and Council places a high value on trees, not only for their value to wildlife, but for their aesthetic qualities as well,” Shannon Burt, Director Sustainable Environment and Economy, said.

“For these reasons there are regulations surrounding the removal of trees and there is no tolerance in the community for people not abiding by the rules,” she said.

People who want to remove trees on private property are asked to get in touch with Council to see if they are permitted to remove a tree and to ensure they have the correct approvals in place.

“The message is simple – call before you chop,” Ms Burt said.

Information about tree removal in the Byron Shire is available on Council’s website at https://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Services/Building-development/Do-I-need-approval/Vegetation-and-tree-removal

Council staff are also available to provide advice and information and can be contacted on 6626 7000.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.