After a resident cut down a tall tree to improve their view of Sydney Harbour, a local trust responded by erecting an elevated sign in its place to block the view.
‘Tree vandalism has occurred in this area,’ the sign erected in the Sydney lower North Shore harbourside suburb of Woolwich, where the median house price is over $5.5 million, reads.
‘The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust protects and manages this land for the enjoyment of the public.
‘Acts of vandalism like this deprive all of us of the natural environment.’
After a photo of the sign was shared on a Reddit Sydney thread, it received plent of praise.
‘I hope the person who did it is spewing. They had a view of the harbour and a lovely tree, and now an ugly sign that reminds them of their bad deed,’ one said.
‘Love this. It would only be better if it lit up at night with a big ugly penis or something,’ wrote another.
A third added: ‘Mosman Council also does this for the people that cut down trees on the public path in front of the mansions, except it’s a way bigger hanging sign. I love it.’
A sign has been placed to keep blocking the harbour view when a tree on Sydney’s lower North Shore was cut down
The sign, put up by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, has been applauded by Reddit users
The tree was felled in the affluent city suburb of Woolwich, where the median house price is over $5.5million
Another said: ‘What a brilliant way to teach people that they can’t simply do as they please without ramifications.’
A spokesperson for the Sydney Harbour Trust warned that anyone caught illegally cutting down trees could face hefty fines.
‘Following this, the Harbour Trust installed a large sign in the former location of the illegally removed trees to inform the community of the vandalism and encourage anyone with information to contact us to help maintain and protect our environment,’ the spokesperson said.
‘Additionally, the Harbour Trust installed temporary fencing and a security camera that will monitor the area of replanted trees to prevent and deter any similar incidents in the future.’
In NSW, under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the maximum fine for illegal tree removal in NSW is $1.1 million for a corporation and $220,000 for an individual.
The actual fine that is imposed may be significantly lower than the maximum penalty, usually ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 per offence.
