Where's the consistency?

Earlier this month Council contractors were busy with their chainsaws, cutting down mature trees in the reserve opposite the Ettalong Beach Club to obtain better water views for commercial interests.

A few hundred metres further down the Ettalong Foreshore, a large council banner proclaimed that vandals had illegally destroyed mature banksia trees in the reserve, contrary to council's tree preservation policy), and culprits were liable for fines up to $1.3 million.

Why is it acceptable for council to cut down mature trees to provide water views, but not acceptable for residents to cut down a few trees blocking their views?

Surely there is a bit of inconsistency here?

Michael Gillian, Ettalong Beach