The City of Burnside is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed, or taken photos or videos, of the unauthorised and illegal pruning of a regulated street tree on Darrell Avenue, Wattle Park yesterday (Thursday 3 August). The tree that was illegally pruned was a Claret Ash (Fraxinus raywood) adjacent 6 Darrell Avenue. As can be seen by the photos, the damage was extensive and an individual can be seen committing the offence.
The pruning,
alteration or removal of a regulated street tree without Council approval is illegal. For damage to a street tree the maximum punishment for this illegal activity, the courts can impose a $5,000 fine and record a criminal conviction. Fines of up to $120,000 may apply if a person undertakes work on a regulated tree without approval.
Successful prosecutions are the only way to deter this act and send a message that it is not OK to damage our urban canopy. If you have ANY information about this incident, please contact our Customer Service team on 8366 4200 or burnside@burnside.sa.gov.au