Cheeky council trend that is frustrating 'rich and entitled' Aussie residents

Is this the way forward when it comes to punishments?

An Aussie council has once again been exposed for their unique tactic to stop locals from illegally creating a better view from their properties.

But, with the occurrence happening time and time again across the country, people are only getting more frustrated with these ‘elite’ and entitled residents - so is this the way more punishments need to go?

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Image: TikTok / @fedupted.

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“This vegetation has been illegally vandalised”

A video posted by @fedupted has gone viral this week, showing a sign put up by Sunshine Coast Council.

The video is taken across the road from a house with clear beach views - though apparently not clear enough, as a tree on that beach has been cut down to provide it.

The sign, erected in place of the cut down tree, slams the residents for their illegal vandalism.

“This vegetation has been illegally vandalised,” it reads.

“People found damaging native vegetation will be prosecuted.

“This sign will remain in place until vegetation has regrown to its previous extent.”

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“I love when councils get vindictive like this”

The sign, coined the ‘board of shame’ had commenters in stitches, saying that those who intentionally damage vegetation have it coming - and don’t deserve these prime views.

Others pointed out that in many cases, these trees, mangroves, and other vegetation often keep sand dunes stable, making it even more imperative to keep them there and avoid greater erosion.

“I love when councils get vindictive like this,” said one commenter.

“I love this because everyone who comes to their house then knows what they did,” said another.

“I don’t agree with a lot of things councils do. But this is brilliant,” a third agreed.

“This is hilarious. I know people who cut down all the mangroves in front of their property now their house floods with storm high tides,” another person added.

@fedupted

Board of shame 🌳🌳 #sunshinecoast #sunnycoast #buddina #ptcartwright

♬ Ain't It Fun - Paramore

This isn't the first time

Although this has rightfully garnered the attention of thousands of Aussie viewers, it’s just one example of many councils around the country calling out entitled locals in this way.

Back in 2021, Bayside Council locals were met with a rude shock when large shipping containers were brought to fill the site where trees were hacked down with chainsaws to improve views.

These shipping containers were decorated with striking murals to complement the area’s natural beauty - whilst also making a statement about vandalism.

Council has vowed to plant two new trees for every tree removed or poisoned, in addition to continuing adding shipping containers in every location necessary - with the latest added just this year.

A vandalised shipping container in Brighton-Le-Sands. Image: Reddit.

Not everyone has agreed with the controversial strategy, with one local has taken to Reddit sharing a photo of a now-vandalised shipping container in Brighton-Le-Sands. What was once a work of art now reads, ‘Fuck the trees’ - it seems vandals will be vandals.

However, most think Council’s response was smart, asking for greater punishment for these entitled individuals.

“Add another shipping container and repaint, then add a sign that says every time we have to repaint we will add another shipping container,” said one commenter, in response to the vandalised container.

“Time to put those containers three high, block the sun too,” another agreed.

The giant red banner erected by Lane Cove Council. Image: Supplied.

Similar events have also occurred in Woodford Bay, where in November 2023, over 290 trees were illegally removed from council-owned bushland in what’s been described as the worst act of environmental vandalism in the area's history.

The removal occurred in front of a house occupying a corner block of land at the end of Lucretia Avenue, where the median house price is $5.8 million.

While council’s lawyers were gearing up to take the culprit to court, they found a similar, creative way of punishing them.

After getting approval from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the council erected a bright red double-sided sign in front of the multi-million dollar house.

At two metres high and seven metres long, it reads: “TREES SHOULDN’T DIE FOR A VIEW. 290+ trees illegally destroyed. Lane Cove stands tall against tree vandalism”.

Is revenge the only way forward?

It’s been well documented that crimes with fines really only impact those who can’t pay them, with rich and entitled individuals like these, who have the funds and the resources to have trees removed, more than happy to consider any normal punishment as nothing more than a fee to achieve their ultimate goal - a stunning, uninterrupted view for their already multi-million dollar home.

So, when it comes to crimes like this, it’s no surprise that the majority are all for a little payback instead.

Originally published as Cheeky council trend that is frustrating 'rich and entitled' Aussie residents