Mandurah residents are being reminded to check requirements before clearing trees and vegetation on their properties after a landowner was fined $20,000 for unlawful clearing.
City of Mandurah chief executive Casey Mihovilovich urged residents to check the city’s local laws for tree preservation before starting any works.
The city recently successfully prosecuted a local landowner for unlawfully clearing trees and vegetation at their property without obtaining the necessary approvals.
They were fined $20,000 plus court costs.
“This recent prosecution demonstrates how seriously we take environmental protection, and we urge people to contact the city, check our website and obtain any relevant permissions before carrying out works,” Ms Mihovilovich said.
Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams said the city placed high importance on protecting the environment and the benefits trees had on the urban landscape.
“Our community says that our special natural environment is one of their top priorities and something we should focus on preserving and celebrating,” he said.
“Given the huge range of social and environmental benefits that trees and bushland areas provide, we remain committed to planning, planting, establishing and maintaining trees within urban landscapes.
“Not only do mature trees provide shade and improve the amenity of reserves, parks and residential areas, but they are also home to some threatened species, including endangered black cockatoos and western ringtail possums.”
He said the city ran several programs and initiatives under the Greening Mandurah framework, including the Bushland Buyback scheme, a significant tree register and tree preservation areas.
More information is at mandurah.wa.gov.au/live/trees-and-verges.