Gardener responsible for Lane Cove tree massacre fined $187,500

The landscaper who illegally cleared 287 trees in Longueville, Yi Wang, has been fined $187,500, however this is not the end of a matter described by Lane Cove Council as “the worst act of environmental vandalism” in its 161-year history.

What happened: In November 2023, over a period of two weeks, almost 300 trees on public land near Woodford Bay were cut down. 

The site is tucked away in Lucretia Avenue, overlooking Woodford Bay. Council began to investigate after receiving a report from the public.

Sleuths: The owner of the property that is next to the scene of the crime, Sheng Hua Li, and his step daughter, Yao Wu, were interviewed by council staff after the destruction was reported. 

Yi Wang, a gardener hired by Wu, was also interviewed.

Court documents allege Wang was initially hired to cut grass at Li’s property, but was later asked by Wu about clearing some of the trees that sat between Li’s home and the water. 

Between November 10 and 22, 2023 the trees were cut down with a chainsaw and taken away from the site.

Council took a case against Wang to the Land and Environmental Court, where he entered a guilty plea.

Reckless (don’t be so): In their case against Wang, Lane Cove Council claimed he behaved recklessly in committing the offences. Wang said his behaviour was not reckless, but negligent.

He claimed that Wu repeatedly assured him the land formed part of the property’s backyard. 

Wang also claimed that at one point he attempted to access the Lane Cove Council website to check if the works being undertaken were permitted, but “could not find specific information regarding Ms Wu’s property”.

On Thursday, Justice Rachel Pepper found Wang liable to pay $187,500 for three offences: clearing vegetation, clearing native vegetation and disturbing public bushland. He was also ordered to pay the legal costs of Lane Cove Council. 

Impacts: As part of the council’s investigation, it found the removal of the bushland had taken foraging and breeding habitat away from a range of protected birds, possums, bats and owls, including the threatened powerful owl. 

Council claims it would take 20 to 30 years for the regeneration of trees to a similar condition. 

Following the tree removal, a 7x2 metre banner was erected at the site, blocking any harbour views. Council says the banner will remain “until the vegetation has grown back to a suitable height”.

What now: Lane Cove Mayor Merri Southwood told the Lorikeet council was “very relieved to have a verdict”, but that “nothing will make amends for the damage that has been caused”.

It is unknown whether any other parties involved in the clearing will face punishment. Southwood said council is involved in another case relating to the same location, but would not comment on the specifics.

To date, council has spent $355,000 on legal advice regarding the matter.