Sydney Developer’s Illegal Tree Clearing: “Slap on the Wrist” Fine Sparks Outrage
In Barden Ridge, a property developer was fined $70,000 for illegally clearing approximately 600 trees, including protected species, from a native wildlife corridor, with the intention of building a luxury mansion. The developer also faced charges for excavating land without approval, which he has admitted to, and must now restore the land by planting nearly 600 trees and other plants. Despite the council dropping the related court case, the community and environmental groups have expressed outrage, calling the fine a “slap on the wrist” for “environmental vandalism”. The council will monitor the site, and the damage from the clearing has already flowed into the Woronora River.
John Q. Hosedrinker