17/10/08     HOLROYD RESIDENT FINED FOR ILLEGAL LOPPING OF TREE

A resident of Fairfield Road, Woodpark was convicted of two offences of illegal lopping works of his neighbour’s Jacaranda tree, in Parramatta Local Court recently. Council took the resident to Court following the illegal lopping works in November and December 2007. The mature Jacaranda tree located at a property in Fairfield Road is one of the largest known Jacaranda trees in Holroyd with a canopy span of approximately 18 metres and 16 metres high with an estimated age of 60 – 70 years old.

The illegal lopping resulted in the removal of one of the tree’s three main trunks resulting in nearly one third of the tree being removed. The resident’s reasons for lopping the tree included safety reasons because of overhanging branches and the build up of leaves and twigs in the house gutters and minor damage to the house. He also indicated he had no knowledge of Council’s Tree Management Order. The Court dismissed these reasons.

The Court recognised the seriousness of the offences indicating Council had a responsibility to protect the local environment and that the fines imposed were consistent in providing a ‘general deterrent’ to the rest of the community not to prune or remove trees illegally.

The resident was convicted of two tree lopping offences with two fines imposed of $1,000 and $6,000 and he was also ordered to pay Council’s costs of $3,000 and court costs of $73, a total of $10,073.

If you are unsure whether you require Council approval to prune or remove your trees or which trees are suitable to plant on your property, contact Council’s qualified staff from Council’s Landscape & Tree Management Unit on 9840 9840.

Council has produced a short flyer called ‘How to find a Qualified Arborist (not a lopper!) who cares for your Trees.’ It is available by contacting Council.

For further information:
Contact: Alicia Hancock, Acting Manager Media Relations & Promotions
Holroyd City Council
Telephone: 9840 9717.