Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News

Roadside Tree Felling A Problem

The cutting down of roadside trees and removal of timber is a growing problem according to East Gippsland Shire Councillor Michael Freshwater.

By East Gippsland Shire Council - 22nd September 2004 - Back to News

"In the past week or so I have received calls from angry property owners whose fences have been damaged as a result of this illegal practice," he said.

"Not only does it cost them time and money to do the repairs, but it creates real dangers by allowing their stock to move onto the roadways."

Cr Freshwater said recent incidents had occurred on narrow unsealed rural roads on the Hillside, Lindenow and Bengworden Red Gum Plains.

"The dangers for stock and people on the roads is considerable," he said, "and it won’t be too long before someone is seriously hurt, or a grazier loses valuable animals."

East Gippsland Shire Council Natural Resource Planner Shannon Conway said the practice was illegal under the Shire’s Local Laws and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

"Cutting down or removing roadside timber incurs a $500 fine just for a single tree," she said.

"As well as creating dangers, removal of roadside timber disturbs the natural habitats of reptiles, insects and small animals, all of which have a role to play in our ecosystem.

"Cutting trees down not only puts fencing at risk, but it also reduces shade and shelter and can cause more stress when falling trees crash against others."

Ms Conway called for the community to completely restrain from the practice.

"We should all be working to preserve our environment and not create dangers for others," she said.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December.
• Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
  Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
  Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season.
• Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
  Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September.
• Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
  Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities.
• Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
  Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule.
• Baw Baw community gathers for first-ever lighting of towering eight-metre Christmas tree on 5 December 2025
  The community is invited to the first lighting of an eight-metre Christmas tree in Civic Park on 5 December, with festivities, live music, and safety reminders for attendees.
• Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
  Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season.