Bump up rates for illegal clearing
The mature vegetation that protected Ettalong Beach sand dunes against erosion also obstructed water views from properties opposite the beach.
The illegal removal of the vegetation by persons unknown significantly increased the land values of these sites by opening up attractive water views to the beach and Wagstaffe.
The Valuer-General should upgrade the valuation on these sites for rating purposes.
This will provide the general community with a share in the unearned higher rental income that flows to land owners who benefit from the deliberate vandalism of the environment.
John Collins,
Woy Woy