The City is calling on residents to ensure they understand the value of trees on their property, and what is required if they wish to apply to have a tree removed – Along with calling on locals to report illegal activity on public and private land.

Mayor Margaret Thomas said, “The City has recently been made aware that some of our valued street trees were vandalised in Prospect Road, Kalamunda.”

"Despite the fact that trees are a major drawcard for most people living in the City; someone attempted to kill these trees by both ringbarking and poisoning. We understand the offender also accessed adjacent private property and poisoned those trees as well.”

“We remind the Community that this is an illegal act which the City takes very seriously.”

Pursuant to cl.60 of the deemed provisions under the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015, a person must not commence or carry out any works on land in the Scheme area unless development approval has been obtained, or the works are exempted under cl.61. Clearing of a tree, or pruning that may impact the viability of the tree may be considered “works” under the Planning and Development Act 2005 and thus may require a development approval, prior to works taking place.

In some cases further State and Federal Government Approvals may be required, including but not limited to the clearing permits for clearing of native vegetation under Part V of the Environment Protection Act (1986) and impacts to Matters of National Environmental significance (such as clearing of habitat for Threatened black cockatoos) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Unauthorised clearing of trees or vegetation on verges is also a contravention of the Local Government Act which can result in legal action If anyone has any information regarding this incident or notices tree clearing which they believe may be illegal please contact the City on 9257 9999. Anyone with information in regards to the recent poisoning on Prospect Road is encouraged to report it to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.