Residents Revolt Against Sydney Council's Tree Removal Blitz

In recent months, a controversial tree removal campaign has sparked outrage among residents of Sydney's elite eastern suburbs. The council's decision to chop down centuries-old London plane trees in areas like Rose Bay and Woollahra has left the well-heeled community fuming.

Locals say the towering trees were a defining feature of their charming neighborhoods, providing shade, vibrancy, and a sense of character. However, the council claims the trees were suffering from disease-related decay and needed to be pruned or removed for public safety.

Residents argue they were never properly consulted about the plan, with one local stating, "The council claimed they did a letter drop, but we never received one, nor did any of our neighbors." Arborists have also criticized the council's handling of the situation, accusing them of failing to meet industry standards and transparently assess the trees' condition.

As the chainsaws continue to fell the beloved London planes, the community's outrage only grows. Residents lament the loss of the trees' habitat, with one saying, "They lop the trees, then wonder why the cockatoos vanish." The council maintains it is simply following procedure, but locals remain unconvinced, vowing to fight the "vandalism in disguise."