Council investigates tree removal

Gosford Council will investigate whether 14 cabbage tree palms were removed illegally from a reserve in Horsfield Bay.

Council's compliance manager Mr John Parkes told Peninsula News that council officers were continuing inquiries that would determine whether the trees were removed illegally.

The trees were removed in Gabagong Rd, Horsfield Bay, in February this year.

A local resident reported the incident to council shortly after the trees were removed and has now written to The Bays Community Group.

"The committee may wish to know that around Wednesday, February 27, and continuing even later, at least one home owner in Gabagong Rd has been removing a number of cabbage palms and native trees from the reserve and creek banks," the resident wrote in a letter published in the group's newsletter.

"We had recently moved into our home in Gabagong Rd, when I was witness to the removal of three palms from the reserve directly below my home.

"This was done illegally and at a time of the day when no doubt the perpetrators expected the home owners of the area to be at work and none would have been any the wiser," the writer claimed.

"However, my husband spoke to the tree loppers contracted to remove these three trees, who provided him with the name of the customer and who informed him that there was no need to get permission to cut down palms from the reserve.

"I am concerned that this really is setting a precedent and I know the committee will passionately agree that all members of these precious Bays should be aware of what is going on.

"I am most concerned about the rapidly declining number of trees around the Bays and the serious silting that is in part because of sediment washed into the bay as developments take place and there is blatant removal of trees without official permission."

The resident said a ranger and a council tree specialist had visited the reserve where the tree lopping took place "confirming the importance of the lopped trees".

"The offenders' reason for the removal of the tress and bush was that their intention was only to tidy up the messy reserve and to remove rubbish which could house vermin (probably referring to our native fauna) and any bush fire danger," the resident stated.

"However, below our home are now only three tree stumps, which used to be gorgeous palms and through which we had a pleasant view.

"Further contact with council has revealed that the matter was being investigated, but that the probability was that only the tree loppers contracted to undertake the work would be prosecuted.

"Although, the council has apparently received a letter of apology from the home owners involved with an offer to replace the trees, we are still without the mature ones we loved."

The Bays Community Group President Mr Bob Puffett said the incident in Horsfield Bay was a reminder to all local residents of complying with council's environment regulations.

"This is a very timely reminder that before removing any trees or bush of any type from near or around your home, you must seek advice from the local authorities first," Mr Puffett.

"There are severe penalties and even jail terms for those who do not.

"You can visit the following link for more information: www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/index_html."

Newsletter, 20 Aug 2008 Greg McMullen, the Bays Community Group Clare Graham, 26 Aug 2008 Interviewee: John Parkes, Gosford Council