Residents left in limbo by illegal tree removal in Flaxton Drive
By Sonia Isaacs
A FLAXTON couple say they’ve been left in a “bureaucratic nightmare” following the removal of five fully grown trees from their nature strip.
The couple have grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of action from authorities who say they have no jurisdiction over the trees or their removal.
The couple, David and Judith Barclay, relocated to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in 2023, and say the incident and aftermath had left them feeling disillusioned and distressed. Late last year, David and Judith had been visiting Sydney to care for their grandchildren when they were informed by a neighbour that trees located less than a metre from their front fence line had been removed and the bases allegedly poisoned.
The couple, who moved to Flaxton just 14 months ago said they were devastated by the destruction.
They said one of the key attractions when purchasing their home in 2023 had been the line of established trees at front of the property.
“We were shocked to return home and see the carnage,” Mr Barclay said. “This wilful act was done without any permission from any authority and certainly not us.”
The Barclays said they have video evidence of the trees being removed by a member of the public, which they subsequently submitted to authorities.
They first reported the incident to local police, who advised that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Sunshine Coast Council.
According to Mr Barclay, Council officers initially investigated and indicated that prosecution was likely.
However, just days later, the couple was informed that responsibility for Flaxton Drive lay with Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Upon contacting TMR’s maintenance division, the couple was met with further disappointment.
“They told us they neither had the resources nor the authority to investigate,” Mr Barclay said. “Everyone acknowledges this is a wilful illegal act (removal of trees without permission) but no one is able or willing to take responsibility.”
A TMR representative acknowledged that while TMR retained responsibility for road reserve maintenance at the location, the affected trees appeared to have been planted and removed by members of the community without any notification to TMR.
“Given the trees were not planted by TMR, there was no damage to TMR assets, and the removal of the trees poses no safety issues to the road network, TMR will not be pursuing the matter further with legal action,” the TMR representative wrote. Mr Barclay said he was extremely disappointed with what appeared to be a lack of responsibility and support from local and government authorities. “We feel that our privacy and security has been violated and we are even considering now whether we want to remain in the community.”
