Another mass killing of trees has taken place in Longueville on Sydney's lower north shore, just months after more than 200 were cut down in a nearby suburb.

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?

  • bestusername
    10·
    1 year ago

    Increase the fines… And build a 15m concrete wall as punishment.

    • hacknsplat
      17·
      1 year ago

      More aesthetic answer… seize their house as “proceeds of crime”, bulldoze it and make a public park in it’s place.

      • Pot8oB
        4·
        1 year ago

        Yes, and have them replant both areas by hand. We’ll maybe they could have a spade.