A landmark decision was handed down in the Batemans Bay Court on Monday regarding the lopping of a tree, without development consent, to improve a water front view. In the matter of Eurobodalla Shire Council vs. Mr Scott Cameron the Magistrate Mr David Heilpern fined the accused $10,000 plus $2,980.00 costs and court costs.

The Vice President of Coastwatchers Mark Fleming said, "A fine and costs totalling more than $13,000.00 is sending a clear message to those who wish to undertake this work illegally that they will be dealt with severely by the courts in future".

He continued, "In evidence tendered to the court Mr Cameron claimed that the tree was an eyesore and I'm going to get rid this even though he knew it was on a reserve. This attitude in 2005 is unacceptable and needs to be changed so that the area can continue to be known as the Nature Coast for many years to come."

"Another disturbing aspect of this case was that in his statement Mr Cameron claimed to rely on the verbal approval of a Councillor and staff member to carry out the work. The very same Councillor that Mr Cameron's company had contributed funds to at the last Eurobodalla Council elections. Coastwatchers understands that the Councillor in question has since written a letter described by the Magistrate as an ambiguous letter of support and also stating that he had referred the matter on to the appropriate officer."

Mark Fleming continued, "The magistrate noted that the lopping and felling of trees to improve views is in plague proportions".

Coastwatchers urge all contractors to check that written approval has been granted in future for these types of works and congratulate the Eurobodalla Shire for acting on this matter promptly and in such a thorough manner that allowed this successful prosecution.

Regarding the conflicting evidence of verbal permission being granted for the work, the magistrate felt that this should be dealt investigated at another venue, accordingly Coastwatchers will be writing to the appropriate authorities outlining our concerns.