Hornsby Council strengthens tree preservation laws across ‘bushland shire’

RESIDENTS felling 15,000 trees in a year is what it took for Hornsby Council to strengthen tree protection laws across the shire.

Philip Ruddock and Cheltenham Beecroft Alliance representative Ross Walker in Ruddock Park Westleigh. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Andrews

RESIDENTS felling 15,000 trees in a year is what it took for Hornsby Council to strengthen tree protection laws across the shire.

Hornsby councillors last week showed bipartisan support towards consolidating tree protection laws, which continued to be revised just moments before councillors voted.

Barbara Davis from the Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust and Bernadette Azizi.

“This is great news for everybody who values our title as The Bushland Shire and wants to see our impressive tree canopy preserved,” Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock said.

“Previously the protections only applied to a list of tree species that were native to Hornsby shire but we’ve flipped the rules around.

“Now all trees are protected, except for a limited list of species that are considered to be weeds or a hazard.”

Hornsby Tree Service owner and tree lopper Peter O'Sullivan who has spoken out against the 10/50 legislation because he says it is resulting in too many healthy trees being cut down unnecessarily. He says it has brought many unscrupulous operators into the business.

Penalties apply for removing or damaging trees that are protected by the tree and vegetation preservation controls.

“The vast majority of people are grateful for the magnificent trees we have in our Bushland Shire and they want to pass those on to future generations,” Cr Ruddock said.

“If you are thinking of removing a tree on your property, it is now safest to assume it is protected and contact council.”

More than 130 submissions from the community were received by Hornsby Council since the order was first suggested last year, with an approval rating of more than 90 per cent towards strengthening the laws.

Greens councillor Emma Heyde said: “We’ve been in danger of leaving our neighbourhoods hotter and uglier because so many trees have been lost over the last five years.

“People move to this area because it’s The Bushland Shire. They appreciate leafy streets and avenues.

“Protecting our valuable trees means more beautiful neighbourhoods, fresher air and much cooler streets for people to walk, jog, ride a bike and get to work.”

ANGER OVER DURAL TREE CLEARING

RESIDENTS are outraged by the clearing of trees in Dural this week — sparking an investigation by Hornsby Council.

Trees on New Line Rd, near the intersection of Sebastian Drive, Dural, were wiped out by bulldozers as action groups across the shire expressed their disgust.

Residents Infrastructure and Planning Alliance spokeswoman Justine Smillie said residents were alarmed by the clearing.

Residents are angry over the clearing of land in Dural.

“This is shocking to residents, particularly during a time when Hornsby Council voted to strengthen laws around tree protection,” Ms Smillie said.

“We believe that it is illegal clearing at Sebastian Drive as there does not seem to be any DA for the site.

“We are urging council to take appropriate legal action if this is the case and stop the continued clearing of bushland across the shire.”

Hornsby Council is investigating the site following residents concerns.

A Hornsby Council spokesman said as far as the council was aware, the clearing was allowed.

“It is mainly noxious species and bamboo that have been removed,” the spokesman said.

“Council officers went to the site last week to look at it and gave permission for the clearing to proceed as no protected species were threatened.

“We’ve since received complaints from residents about the clearing and will go back to the site to investigate, to make sure that the authority of clearing was not exceeded.”