A Sydney council has started construction on a massive view-blocking banner after more than 290 trees were destroyed on Sydney’s lower north shore last year.
The trees were cleared from the foreshore of Woodford Bay in November 2023.
At the time, Lane Cove Council labelled it the “worst act of environmental vandalism” in its history.
The council is still building its “strongest possible” legal case over the tree-felling.
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In the meantime, they’ve taken a different strategy to stand against tree vandalism.
Today, a council spokesperson confirmed that construction of a seven-metre-long, two-metre-high banner had begun.
Cement bags have been brought to the bushland location, but the foundations are yet to be installed.
Because of the unusual construction location, all the work needs to be done by hand.
The banner is expected to be finished in about two weeks, pending any weather interruptions.
The council shared the image of an artist’s impression of the finished banner, which will read: “Trees shouldn’t die for a view”.
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Lane Cove Council has not yet lodged any court action over the trees’ removal.
“At the time, Council chose not to immediately issue a penalty infringement notice, recognising the scale and seriousness of the offence warranted the exploration of criminal prosecution,” the council said in a statement last week.
“Following legal advice, Council began the process of pursuing the strongest possible penalty and since then the required standards of evidence and information has been carefully gathered.
“Council continues to liaise regularly with its legal team to assist in building a case before lodgement with the Court.”
As part of its response, the council set about getting approval to build the view-obstructing banner.
It said the banner would “interrupt the harbour view of the property which would most benefit from the mass clearing of the trees.”
”Having obtained approval from key stakeholders and following no objections from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), installation of the banner structure started this week,” the council said.
”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 in Lane Cove.”
The council is working to regenerate the tree species on the site.
The illegal removal of trees carries a maximum fine of up to $1.1 million.
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