Illegal Tree Chopping in Bondi: Council Investigates

0:00It's March 1st, here's your Sydney news in two minutes. A group of men dressed in high-visibility gear showed up on New Street and Bondi and chopped down a large paper-barred tree limb by limb. They claimed to be contractors for Waverly Council, but it turned out to be an illegal act of tree vandalism. This happened back in February, right after three other trees on the same street were allegedly poisoned the previous October. Residents on the quiet residential street have mixed feelings about the incident. Some were relieved, saying the tree caused problems like blocked drains during heavy rain, and that they'd made repeated requests to the council for. Pruning. Others felt violated, pointing out how the trees brought beauty and attracted birds to the neighborhood. Unlike typical cases, this chopping tip plays during daylight hours, and the tree wasn't blocking any prize water views. Several locals called the council while it was happening, but by the time officials confirmed the men weren't theirs, most of the tree was already gone. Waverly Council is now investigating the alleged vandalism and stresses that their trees on

1:02the street are well maintained with no need for pruning. They've received only a handful of complaints over six years, including four about stormwater issues and two pruning requests, the latest this year. The remaining stump is taped off with signs urging reports of tree damage. Statewide, illegal tree clearing carries penalties up to $1 million, but on the spot fines are just $3,000 for individuals, or $6,000 for companies. The New South Wales government is pushing for tougher measures to stop these acts across suburbs. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, See the episode description. Some people meditate. I just lay down and press play, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.