I wonder if the fines are enough, assuming they find the people? I’ve heard that it’s cheaper or more profitable to just accept the fines.
Councils can issue a maximum on-the-spot fine of $3,000 for illegal tree removals by individuals, or $6,000 for businesses. Mr Wrightson said the council was getting legal advice about the best course of action, which could include seeking penalties of up to $1 million through a prosecution in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
300 tress x $6000 = $1.8million
That’s big if you chopped the trees for one house, but what if you chopped them for 10? Perhaps you would still get more than $180,000 extra each if they had better views?
Unobstructed water views are the most highly prized, with some estimating they can add between 30 and 80 per cent to a property’s value.
https://daphnesauvage.com/local-news/whats-the-value-of-a-sydney-harbour-view
Well worth the risk as even if the fine is paid in full they’ll still make a profit.
More aesthetic answer… seize their house as “proceeds of crime”, bulldoze it and make a public park in it’s place.
