"So Australian": Local trust praised for response to illegal tree cutting
A resident's decision to cut down a tree for a better view of Sydney Harbour has backfired after a sign was erected where the tree once stood, to condemn tree vandalism.
Following multiple reports of resident carrying out tree vandalism along affluent streets, the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust has called out the behaviour by setting up the sign in the Sydney lower North Shore suburb of Woolwich.
"Tree vandalism has occurred in this area," the sign read.
"The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust protects and manages this land for the enjoyment of the public.
"Acts of vandalism like this deprive all of us of the natural environment."
The sign also warned that offenders could be subject to fines and/or prosecution as punishment, and urged those who notice any suspicious activity to contact 8969 2100.
After an image of the sign was shared to a Sydney group on social media, the local trust's actions have been praised, with many saying they "loved how petty this is" and one even declaring the response "so Australian".
"I hope they keep this sign, as a reminder to anyone contemplating doing something similar," one commented.
"We're petty but we have a right to be. You don't f**n poison or cut down trees. F**n unacceptable behaviour," another added.
Others accused the person who cut down the tree of being "entitled".
In last November alone, over 300 native trees and shrubs vanished in front of multi-million dollar homes along the Sydney Harbour waterfront strip.
Lane Cove Council believe that hand tools were used to silently cut down the trees, which impacts plants, and local wildlife including wallabies, possums and dozens of other species.
On Monday, the council put out a statement saying its "pursuit of justice" is now ramping up, referring to the incident as "the largest tree vandalism case in Lane Cove’s recent history".
They are trying to obtain permission to put up a sign to block "the harbour view of the property which would most benefit from the mass clearing of the trees."
"As the area is classified as a Threatened Ecological Community and contains some items of Aboriginal Heritage, it was important the appropriate approvals were in place before installing the signage," the council added.
"The legal case and banner installation are important steps in our commitment to seeking the strongest possible recourse response to send a message that we stand tall against tree vandalism."
Images: Reddit