Rich in class action: ‘Hey those oxygen giving, climate change averting trees are blocking my view’

A GROUP of well-heeled residents are preparing a multi-million dollar class action against council for blocking their views ... with trees.

Some residents along the Marine Parade, Miami foreshore are not happy with new Norfolk Pine tree's being planted because it might block there view. Scarlett and Isaac Brewin from Christchurch run past the new trees Pic by David Clark

MIAMI residents are preparing a multi-million dollar class action against the Gold Coast City Council for blocking their beachfront views with Norfolk Island pines.

Furious homeowners woke on Tuesday morning to find the council had planted dozens of young pine trees along Marine Parade without any warning.

Property owners, who hold more than $20 million worth of land along the prestigious strip, are expected to seek around $4 million compensation for the devaluation of their properties.

Area councillor Greg Betts admitted there had been no consultation on planting the trees and has put the project on hold until he can discuss it with the locals.

Some residents along the Marine Parade, Miami foreshore are not happy with Norfolk Pine tree being planted because it might block their view. Picture: David Clark

Sue Royal, 66, who has lived on the piece of prime real estate for 15 years, said she was prepared to fight the council in court to keep her view.

“I am very upset about this and I’m not the only one,” she said.

“To go ahead and do this without telling us is so disrespectful and it will hurt our property prices.

“We have always had uninterrupted views and now they have been taken away from us.

“If they don’t get rid of the trees, we will proceed with a class action and we will want them to pay for the devaluation of our homes.”

Cory White and his puppy Bear near the newly planted trees. Photo: David Clark

Dozens of the pines, each around 1.5m tall, have been planted along the 300m stretch of Marine Parade. The fast-growing trees can eventually reach heights of up to 25m.

The council’s tree-planting program cost ratepayers $33,400.

Leading Miami real estate agent Luke Henderson, who handles property on Marine Parade, said the trees could devalue homes by around 20 per cent.

Mr Henderson slammed the council for planting the trees, saying it was “bureaucracy gone mad”.

“They are dirty, messy enormous trees which aren’t even native to this area,” he said.

“Residents pay rates and should be consulted about these things.

“I hope sanity prevails and they remove them as quickly as possible. It is really poor form.”

Scarlett and Isaac Brewin from Christchurch enjoying the foreshore parkland. Picture: David Clark

Cr Betts said his office had been inundated with complaints from residents.

He also admitted there had not been any community consultation.

“I got blasted by a number of members of the public and contacted the parks supervisor to put a halt on it,” he said.

“People are really angry about it, so I am hoping to meet with residents both for and against it.

“Hopefully we will then come up with a plan to go forwards.”

Mrs Royal, an interior designer, said her home was worth around $2 million and was the result of years of hard work.

“This is our home and we won’t let the council come here and damage them,” she said.

“Everyone who lives here is very angry and we will be taking this further.”