A Wheelers Hill landowner cops huge fine for poisoning trees in Monash Council win

A Wheelers Hill property owner has been fined thousands of dollars for illegally poisoning trees, in what has been hailed a win for the council and community.

A Wheelers Hill property owner was fined for poisoning 10 significant trees. Picture: Stuart Milligan

A Monash property owner has had to cough up more than $70,000 in fines and costs for illegally poisoning significant trees on their property — the second such success in as many months for Monash Council.

The owner of 286-292 Jells Rd in Wheelers Hill was fined $60,000 without conviction at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court, as well as council costs of $4701.60, after pleading guilty to the illegal poisoning of 10 significant trees.

As well as the criminal charges, an enforcement order from the state planning tribunal requires the owner to replant 10 advanced trees, provide ongoing reports on their health and ensure they are maintained for at least 10 years.

One of the trees at 286-292 Jells Rd, Wheelers Hill showing signs of distress. Picture: Stuart Milligan

The owners at 286-292 Jells Rd, Wheelers Hill have been fined for poisoning 10 trees. Picture: Stuart Milligan

They also copped $7213.30 for council’s costs and a filing fee, as well as costs for the order to be registered on the land title.

Council officers tested the trees after a complaint from a concerned resident, with results showing glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup, a weed and grass killer.

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Mayor Shane McCluskey said the outcome was a significant win for council and the Monash community.

Cr McCluskey said each of the trees were considered significant as they were in good health prior to their poisoning, were greater than 10m in height and contributed to the landscape and garden character of the area.

He said while the owner did not give a reason for poisoning the trees, the council received a planning application in December 2017 to build 14 townhouses and remove vegetation on the site, which was not supported by the council.

Anyone with concerns about illegal tree removals should contact the council’s planning investigations team on 9518 3555.