I have been served a penalty infringement notice by my local council for the amount of $1500. In the notice it states that my actions in removing a large 50-year-old tree from the front of my property caused cracks in the footpath. I had the tree removed because I didn’t like how it obstructed my view of the city. I didn’t think I needed permission. What will happen now?
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Answer by Neha Sharma, Hillsdale 2036 NSW
- A council may issue a penalty infringement notice if you unlawfully remove a tree from your property.
- A penalty infringement notice is an on-the-spot fine for certain offences such as unlawful tree removal. This is because all councils protect trees particularly if they are old and uncommon.
- The council may also seek a court order to rectify the damage caused by removing the tree and causing cracks in the footpath.