Five offenders prosecuted for unauthorised tree removals in Boroondara

Two companies and three individuals have been found guilty by the Magistrates’ Court for illegally chopping down trees in some of Melbourne’s most ritzy leafy green inner suburbs.

Two companies and three individuals have been found guilty by the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for illegally removing trees in suburbs across Boroondara.

Mayor Jane Addis said trees were an important part of the municipality’s neighbourhood character and unauthorised tree removals would be prosecuted.

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A further nine tree-related court cases were pending, Cr Addis said, and those who broke the council’s local law could be fined up to $2000, while court action could result in a criminal conviction as well as a fine.

“Unfortunately the council has seen an increase in illegal tree removals over the past few years as well as instances of trees being poisoned. People are welcome to contact the council to check relevant legislation before removing trees on their property,” Cr Addis said.

University of Melbourne botanist Dr Gregory Moore said illegal tree removals were a major issue and traditionally green leafy inner suburbs like Boroondara were losing the qualities that made them attractive in the first place.

Canopy cover was being lost at a rate of about 1.5 per cent a year in Australian cities, he said.

This could have devastating consequences as the climate warmed and shaded areas became more important to guard against heat related health issues such as heat stroke, he said.

“At the time you want increased shade you’re losing it,” he said.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say someone will one day die because of this and it will be a heat related death.”