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🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Environment & Climate

Sydney gardener fined $187,500 for destroying 287 trees for mansion views

From The Guardian · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A Sydney man has been fined $187,500 for illegally felling 287 native trees.
  • The trees were removed from council-owned bushland at Woodford Bay to improve views from a harbourside mansion.
  • The local council called the act the worst environmental vandalism in the area's history.

A Sydney gardener has been ordered to pay $187,500 after orchestrating the destruction of 287 native trees. Yi Wang was responsible for the unlawful felling of the trees from council-owned bushland at Woodford Bay in late 2023. The trees were removed to enhance the water views from a harbourside mansion.

The local council condemned the act, labeling it the "worst act of environmental vandalism in Lane Cove history." The incident reportedly began with the gardener being hired to trim grass, but escalated to the illegal removal of protected native trees. Payments for the operation were allegedly left in a shoe, highlighting the clandestine nature of the felling.

The court's decision imposes a significant financial penalty on Wang, reflecting the severity of the environmental damage. The case underscores the importance of protecting natural bushland and the consequences for those who disregard environmental regulations.

worst act of environmental vandalism in Lane Cove history

— Local councilThe local council described the incident to highlight the severity of the environmental damage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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