A Glen Waverley resident has been fined $9,000 after an established 18m lemon-scented gum tree was poisoned on their property in breach of the Monash Planning Scheme.
The tree was poisoned when its trunk was drilled with eight holes and filled with a green substance, with bark glued to disguise the holes. Laboratory analysis showed the substance in the tree was the poison glyphosate (pictured below).
In Ringwood Magistrates' Court on 5 June, the Glen Waverley resident pleaded guilty to one count of failing to comply with the Monash Planning Scheme. They were found guilty without conviction and fined $9,000, with costs of more than $4,000 being awarded to Council.
A replacement tree has been planted in place of the poisoned tree.
About Monash's Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO)
Some areas in Monash are covered by a Vegetation Protection Overlay to preserve existing vegetation, encourage regeneration of native plants and trees, and to keep and enhance habitat for native animals
If your property is in a VPO-protected area, a planning permit is required to remove or destroy vegetation that is higher than 10m and has a trunk circumference greater than 50cm (16cm diameter) at 120cm above ground level.
