Wollongong City Council is investigating the removal of two well-established gum trees on a private property in Woonona on the weekend.
Council staff attended the site on Saturday morning following reports from a number of concerned community members about the removal of the trees, which were both more than 15 metres' tall and appeared to be in good health.
"Wollongong City Council is investigating the removal of these trees as it appears there was no consent in place to have these gum trees cut down,'' Wollongong City Council Manager Regulation and Enforcement Corey Stoneham said.
"We will fact-find and take statements over the coming days and then consider what course of action is appropriate after that.''
Mr Stoneham said in addition to removal of the trees, Council's investigations would also consider threatening behaviour towards, and the verbal abuse of, staff who attended the site on Saturday morning and requested the tree removal be stopped.
"We had a number of staff attend the site at different points on Saturday. They were there to request that the work stop immediately so that an investigation can be completed, and for details of the company undertaking the work,'' he said.
"As Council staff approached the site, they were verbally abused and told to leave.
"Council has zero tolerance for the abuse of our staff. They were carrying out their job within the NSW Government's legislative requirements and should not be subjected to verbal abuse or feel unsafe when they carry out their duties.''
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown thanked those who contacted Council in the early hours of Saturday morning to share their concerns about the tree removal.
"Council staff took multiple calls on Saturday morning from people who were concerned about the removal of the gum trees and the way the work was being undertaken,'' she said.
"I'm really grateful to those who took the time to pick up the phone and call our after-hours number and report this matter. By taking this step, they're assisting Council to gather timely information and evidence.
"As a community we value our local environment and established trees like these aren't just a source of shade, they're a home to local wildlife, contribute to the diversity of flora in the city and they help to absorb carbon dioxide. They're essential and we should be doing everything we can to protect them.''
