Mosman: investigators probe removal of 11 trees near Balmoral

There’s trouble in paradise in one of Sydney’s most exclusive streets as neighbours and the council turn detective to weed out who has allegedly felled several trees to better their harbour views.

The view over Balmoral and inset one of the damaged trees

Neighbours in one of the lower north shore’s most exclusive streets are involved in a real life game of ‘whodunit’ after trees are thought to have been axed to improve somebody’s harbour views.

Mosman Council has also put on its detective hat after the illegal vandalism of almost a dozen established trees in the suburb.

Homeowners in the Mosman street are being formally interviewed as part of the council’s probe into the destruction within a public reserve west of the popular Headland Park Walking Track overlooking Balmoral Oval.

It is thought the trees came down sometime between December 4 and 7 last year and were discovered during a routine bush audit by council rangers.

A photo of the illegal tree works.

A council spokeswoman said the trees included four eucalyptus, two casuarinas and a banksia and it was “probable” the illegal activity was the work of a nearby homeowner motivated by enhancing their multimillion-dollar views over Sydney Harbour.

Debris from the illegal works was also found strewn onto surrounding land, in what the council said was an indication that “the persons responsible had little regard for the area”.

Despite doorknocking residents and conducting a letterbox drop notifying locals of the incident, the council said a perpetrator has yet to be weeded out.

The Mosman Daily spoke to several locals in the street including long-time resident John Crawford who speculated the removal was the work of one of the suburb’s more recent arrivals.

“There’s been a few changes of ownership in the area and that’s usually when these types of things happen – people buy a property because they’re attracted to the area and then move in and try to change it,” he said.

“I suspect it’s about someone trying to improve views from their property but the neighbours are pretty active and take an interest in the area – I’m sure it will only be a matter of time before (whoever is responsible) is found out.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, described the trees as being “butchered” while homeowner Julie Goodsir – a member of the Headland Preservation Group – said she was shocked to return from holiday last month to discover the illegal works in the usually quiet neighbourhood.

Another resident Gerald van Hulsen, who has worked in the local Community Fire Unit since 2005, said he had “no idea” who was responsible for the incident, but said an ongoing lack of tree maintenance in the area had left some locals frustrated at the risk of fire from the section of bushfire-prone land.

“This hill has burnt before and there are two different philosophies – we either keep every tree there is or maintain them to secure property against fire,” he said.

“(The trees) are on a big hillside and there’s an enormous amount of fuel just laying there. At the same kids congregate in the area in the area with their bongs and matches and what have you.

“We shouldn’t be quick to point fingers or assume it’s about views – the bush is not looked after and that’s a risk to all the homes (in the area)”.

A photo captured by Mr van Hulsen of what appears to be a “bong” in the reserve.

He said teenagers also gather in the site in large numbers.

The council said its initial investigation found the “works were advantageous” with “tree loppers door knocking and asking residents if they would like tree works completed while they were in the area”.

The council said there are plans to replace the trees along with installing a 8x2m custom-made tree preservation banner, at a cost of between $2500-$3500, that will be placed in the area for two years or until someone is prosecuted.

“It is probable that works were conducted to enhance water views and Mosman Council continues to investigate the matter,” the council spokeswoman said.

“At this stage no information has been provided that could lead to a prosecution, however staff are still conducting formal interviews with surrounding residents.

“It is expected pruned and lopped trees may re-establish canopies, however this will take many years to reach the canopy area amount removed through illegal works.”

The incident is the latest case of illegal tree removal in the Mosman area and follows a vandalism incident at Joel’s Reserve in 2015 and Quakers Hat South Bushland in 2018.

“Mosman Council takes tree vandalism very seriously and has a range of options at its disposal ranging from issuing penalty infringement notices (PINs) or prosecuting anyone involved in illegally damaging trees to the full extent of the law,” the spokeswoman said.

“Council continuously monitors public trees and will act if we observe or are notified about incidents and residents are urged to advise council of any suspected cases”