Tree Trimming for Views

I think this regulation should remain. Trees have a hard enough time existing in many areas; they need on-going protection in National Parks.

I suggest that one way to address the problem of trees obstructing views is to have the NPWS regulation included in all sale-contracts for properties with views over national parks.

People buy a property, in good faith, assuming that the view on purchase will remain uncluttered and they get upset when the view becomes obscurred. If purchasers were warned that a view cannot be guaranteed they would then be buying with their eyes open.

Ultimately it is no different to having a tree on private land obscure a view - if the tree was there first then the viewer has no ground to trim the tree.

However the rights of the viewer can be stronger if NPWS were to plant trees as part of a regeneration project.

Generally I don't think trees should be removed to enhance an owner's view. However, our parks need investment and when the lopping of a tree or trees can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the value of a home perhaps NPWS should consider providing a very expensive service where no species are threatened and the overall ambience of the park would be unaffected. This could help to fund more critical conservation projects and would reduce the damage done by people taking matters into their own hands.

To me this is a very simple argument and proposition.

If we are to allow trimming of trees in National Parks to enhance the personal views of private citizens, then let's share the benefits.

We all know national parks and other such government agencies are underfunded (come now, why else the push to open them up for commercial activities at a time when State Govt coffers are empty? Gee, what a coincidence), so if you benefit privately as a result of such an activity then you should share in that benefit with the park that is so adding to the value of your property.

Is that what we call a (cringe) win-win situation?

There are 2 sides to every coin. In some cases private dwellings may want more screening from a park. For example where their view is not "harbour" but carpark, of kiosk, or even dunny.

To repeat my point made elsewhere: this can be a 2-way street. There should be some mechanism for people to approach NP to seek a modification to their views and it may be possible to achieve a shared responsibility - that NP will trim/plant trees if those who benefit make a commensurate contribution, which may be containing feral plants on their side of the boundary.

A number of responders have suggested a "two-way street" and a "what's in it for the NPWS" approach. As a neighbour to the SHNP, and one who would like some limited trimming of trees, I don't disagree. However, I do know that the locals already do provide a number of services to both the NPWS & users of the SHNP which includes, but is not limited to: picking up rubbish from the pathways, beaches and front lawns left by people using the park; dealing with parking issues such as having our driveways and turning bays blocked; regularly providing users with directions and bus schedules; fielding requests for the use of our phone/bathroom; having people picnic on our front lawns/verge (often leaving their rubbish), advising NPWS of dangerous trees/damaged pathways/etc.

These activities were not in our contract of sale nor are we employed by NPWS however we undertake them because we want to maintain the amenity of the SHNP. Maintenance of trees - both trimming to maintain views and removal of trees that have died of natural causes - should be an option available to residents.

Each site has a different history and background and needs to be considered on its merits, impacts on the natural values, aesthetic and cultural landscapes.

Irrespective of this, unauthorised trimming of trees is clearly a breach of the National Parks and Wildlife Regulations and appropriate action taken to discourage the offence from being repeated.

This can be easily resolved with the production of precinct landscape plans which identify the view management principles which apply to those areas. The plans can be made available to residents and adjacent councils so that there is no excuse for ignorance and the opportunity for appropriate consultation during the development of the plans.

It's quite ironic that the whole of North Head was once a grassy area with hardly any trees. They were introduced when the area was used as a Quarantine Station & have been allowed to grow rampant.