Property owner fined $30,000 for cutting down trees

Published on 13 August 2021

A Suffolk Park property owner has been convicted and fined $30,000 for cutting down three mature trees and ordered to pay Council’s costs of $5,500.

Two of the trees were mature coastal cypress pines which formed part of an endangered ecological community.

In September 2020 Council received a development application for a swimming pool and when staff inspected the site of the proposed pool they noticed that three trees had been cut down.

The property owner was issued with three $3,000 on-the-spot fines but the property owner elected to have the matter dealt with in the Local Court.

Ralph James, Council’s Legal Counsel, said the magistrate was specific in pointing out that the cutting down of trees was a serious offence, especially when it was done for the sole purpose of installing a swimming pool.

“It is worth noting that the original DA for the construction of the house was approved on the condition that the trees be retained and the property owner was aware of this,” Mr James said.

“A fine of $30,000 is very significant and this sends a message to anyone else in the Byron Shire who may think that removing trees without approval is acceptable.

“My message to anyone thinking about removing trees is to make a phone call or send an email to Council and staff can advise them on what to do so they don’t end up with a fine,” Mr James said.

Information about the removal of trees is on Council’s website.

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