Indoor Cricket Facility Plan Sparks Community Backlash in Maroubra

A formal complaint has been lodged against updated redevelopment plans that now include a new, indoor sports facility at Snape Park in Maroubra.



Background to the Development

Initially, the redevelopment of Snape Park was aimed at updating the existing amenities only. Over time, the $6.3-million, two-stage plan expanded to include a purpose-built indoor training facility for cricket and rugby league.

Stage 1 involves the construction of the indoor centre, while Stage 2 proposes a replacement of the kiosk, public toilets, and changerooms, along with landscape upgrades and improved pathways and parking. The indoor centre is planned for an under-used part of the park near existing outdoor cricket nets.

Authorities have confirmed that Stage 2 will proceed following further community consultation in future years.

Snape Park Upgrades
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

The project is valued at $6.3 million, jointly funded by Randwick City Council and the Federal Government, who gave a $1-million contribution to the project.

Community Engagement and Council Process

Council documentation shows that internal stakeholder engagement began as early as July 2022. Communications obtained through freedom of information requests show Randwick Petersham Cricket Club was involved in consultations before any broader community feedback process began. In contrast, the public consultation period was limited to a one-month window from 3 February to 3 March 2025.

A complaint submitted by residents spans 50 pages and alleges that the planning process lacked transparency and excluded local input. Specific concerns were raised about the project’s origins, with claims the indoor centre component was introduced through a council motion in August 2020 without substantial background or justification.

Snape Park
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

Design and Implementation Details

The facility will include synthetic flooring, filtered lighting, and energy-efficient features, with potential for solar panels and Indigenous artwork. Consultants have been engaged to advise on accessibility, acoustics, arboriculture, traffic, heritage, and other factors.

The structure will be positioned among trees in a low-lying area to reduce visual and noise impact. According to council, the design aims to use robust materials and visual elements that blend with the natural environment.

Maroubra cricket facility
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

Public Objection and Community Response

Residents opposing the plan have raised several objections, including the building’s size, potential traffic issues, and loss of green space. Critics describe the proposal as outsized and believe the process prioritised sporting clubs over broader community interests. A petition opposing the project has collected more than 1,200 signatures.

Council maintains that consultation followed the adopted Community Engagement Strategy. However, several residents argue the process was rushed and lacked genuine opportunity for public input. Concerns have also been raised about whether the indoor centre serves public needs or benefits specific user groups.

Next Steps and Ongoing Review



Council has stated that all feedback is under review and a report will be submitted for further consideration.

Published 13-May-2025

Animal Neglect Case in Malabar Leads to Euthanasia of Dog

A Marrickville woman has been sentenced over the abandonment of two dogs in a Malabar unit, one of which was later euthanised due to paralysis and severe neglect.



Dogs Discovered in Distress During Police Search

Police attending a former social housing unit in Malabar on 21 December 2023 discovered two abandoned American Staffordshire terriers. The officers were conducting a search unrelated to animal welfare when they found the dogs, who were living in squalid conditions.

Police records indicated the tenant was no longer living at the unit, and most personal belongings had already been taken. The unit, previously leased to a Marrickville resident through the NSW Housing Department, had faeces across the floor and no food was present for the dogs. Both animals were found flea-ridden, with urine-soaked fur and inflamed skin around their bellies.

American Staffordshire terrier
Caption: An American Staffordshire Terrier (not one of Ms Hartley’s dogs)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

RSPCA Called In; One Dog Could Not Be Saved

Following the discovery, police contacted the RSPCA, which arranged immediate veterinary care for both dogs. One of the terriers, named Blade, was found to be paralysed from the waist down and was euthanised the next day due to the extent of his suffering. Veterinary assessment suggested the condition had persisted for more than a month, though it remained unclear whether the paralysis occurred before or after the dogs were left alone.

The second dog, named Desire, was taken into care at the RSPCA facility in the Hunter Valley.

Court Outcome in Waverley

Malabar dog neglect case
Photo Credit: Aussies Against Animal Abuse/Facebook

On 6 May 2025, Krystal Hartley, a 31-year-old woman from Marrickville, appeared at Waverley Local Court. She pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to provide veterinary treatment to her animals. The court imposed a two-year community correction order with a recorded conviction, fined her $2000, and ordered her to pay $6333 in compensation to the RSPCA.

Her legal representative cited a relationship breakdown and drug dependency as contributing factors. The magistrate acknowledged her recent steps toward rehabilitation, including enrolling in TAFE and ceasing drug use, but described the offence as a clear failure to uphold basic responsibilities of animal care.

Public Reaction Calls for Stricter Penalties

The case has drawn widespread criticism online. Many respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, arguing that personal hardship should not excuse what they described as avoidable suffering. Some questioned why stronger penalties were not applied. Others called for tougher penalties or changes to cruelty laws.

While public opinion varied in tone, a consistent theme was concern that the sentence did not reflect the severity of the dogs’ suffering, with many calling for stronger penalties for animal cruelty.

Broader Context and Future Implications



The incident has added to ongoing discussions around animal welfare enforcement in New South Wales. Many advocates are now calling for mandatory bans on future pet ownership in similar cases. It is not yet confirmed whether any such restriction has been placed on the defendant in this instance.

Published 11-May-2025

Freshwater Mental Health Unit Now Treating High-Risk Patients in Malabar

A new mental health facility in Malabar is now treating some of the state’s most complex and high-risk patients, offering intensive support within the secure grounds of Sydney’s Forensic Hospital.



Purpose-Built for High-Risk Mental Health Needs

Opened in May 2025, the Freshwater Unit in Malabar is part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Mental Health Infrastructure Program. It supports people with severe mental illness who are involved with, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system. 

Run by Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, the unit offers secure, specialised care for patients too complex for standard mental health settings. It provides 24-hour supervision to reduce harm and support long-term recovery.

Justice Health NSW says the unit supports their goal of delivering effective, safe, and recovery-focused care for people in forensic settings. While the facility is high-security, it also takes a clinical approach aimed at stability and rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Design That Supports Healing and Safety

The Freshwater Unit was designed by architecture firm NBRS to create a calm, private setting that reduces stress and agitation. It includes natural light, secure green courtyards and quiet rooms with soft colours, features that support recovery in high-risk mental health settings. 

Using trauma-informed design, the space feels therapeutic rather than institutional, with layouts that allow discreet patient observation for safety.

Delivered with a Focus on Infrastructure and Function

Project management firm DCWC, working with Health Infrastructure NSW, delivered the Freshwater Unit as part of a 140-bed hospital made up of seven specialised units. 

Built for intensive mental health care in a secure setting, the unit meets strict clinical standards and includes spaces for therapy, crisis support and individual treatment, while supporting staff to work safely and efficiently.

Supporting the Community Through Mental Health Care

Placing the Freshwater Unit in Malabar supports a broader plan to deliver specialist mental health care where it’s most needed, keeping people in treatment rather than custody.



The Malabar-based Freshwater Unit improves how the state handles forensic mental health, helping people stabilise with dignity while easing pressure on prisons and hospitals.

Published 7-May-2025

Pioneers Park Clubhouse Redevelopment Moves Ahead in Malabar

Plans for a new two-storey clubhouse at Pioneers Park in Malabar have progressed, with Randwick officials endorsing a draft concept design as part of its latest infrastructure agenda.



Draft Design Endorsed for Community Consultation

proposed clubhouse and amenities at Pioneers Park
Caption: Artist’s impression of the proposed clubhouse and amenities at Pioneers Park.
Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil

Randwick Council has endorsed a draft concept design to replace the outdated amenities building at Pioneers Park, Malabar. The proposed two-storey facility will be designed to better serve local sporting needs, particularly for the South Eastern Seagulls junior rugby league club.

The redevelopment will include new change rooms, a canteen, meeting rooms, and improved accessibility. The project carries a cost estimate of $5 million and will be funded over several years, with construction scheduled for the 2028–29 financial year.

Support for Junior Rugby League in Malabar

The current facility is no longer adequate for the size and activity of the South Eastern Seagulls, one of the largest junior rugby league clubs in the Souths Juniors competition. The new clubhouse will provide improved functionality and access to meet ongoing community demand.

Part of a Wider Council Agenda

The decision to progress the Pioneers Park upgrade was one of several key items addressed at the April 2025 Randwick Council meeting. Local officials also endorsed the draft 2025–26 Budget and Operational Plan, which outlines $44 million in infrastructure investment across the local government area.

Pioneers Park
Photo Credit:  Eitan Schleissner/Google Maps

Other projects include a planned amenities upgrade at Malabar Ocean Pool, an upgrade to Malabar Memorial Hall, and the rollout of new outdoor gyms—including one at Ella Reserve in Malabar.

Additional Developments Across the LGA

Local officials also advanced planning for a First Nations Cultural Precinct at La Perouse, supported emergency access upgrades at Little Bay Beach, and reaffirmed its backing of the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ move to Allianz Stadium. Safety initiatives for rock fishing and a return of local events like Spot On were also confirmed.

Next Steps for Pioneers Park



The Pioneers Park proposal will now enter a community consultation phase. Feedback from local residents and stakeholders will guide the refinement of the design before final works commence in line with the 2028–29 schedule.

Published 3-May-2025

Maroubra Man Charged Over Breach Of Sensitive NSW Court Records

A Maroubra man has been charged after cybercrime detectives stormed a home in Sydney’s east, uncovering thousands of sensitive court documents that had been accessed without permission in what authorities are calling a serious breach of state security.



Raid Follows Months Of Investigation

The arrest followed a two-month investigation into unauthorised access to the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Online Registry, known as JusticeLink. Between late January and 20 March, nearly 9,000 restricted files were illegally downloaded. 

Photo Credit: NSW Police Force

Photo Credit: NSW Police Force

Police allege the suspect used an account to automate document retrieval before the breach was discovered during routine maintenance, leading to a wider investigation with state and federal agencies.

Community Concerns Over Data Access

The accessed files included sensitive documents such as domestic violence orders and affidavits from civil and criminal cases across New South Wales. Legal experts warned of potential risks to vulnerable individuals if the data were leaked.

Photo Credit: NSW Police Force

However, authorities said there is no evidence of information appearing online or on the dark web. Acting Attorney-General Ron Hoenig confirmed the breach was contained, the system stable, and no individuals under apprehended violence orders were at increased risk.

Police Operation In Maroubra

Strike Force Amherst, formed by the NSW Police Cybercrime Squad, led the early morning raid on 23 April. Footage showed heavily armed officers entering the Maroubra home, handcuffing a man who tried to hide his face, and seizing two laptops.

Photo Credit: NSW Police Force

Photo Credit: NSW Police Force

Officers also scanned hard drives for evidence. The man, identified as 38-year-old Christopher John Duff, was taken to Maroubra Police Station and charged with accessing restricted data and using a carriage service to cause harm.

Court Proceedings And Official Statements

Initially refused bail, Duff was later granted conditional release during his appearance at Waverley Local Court. He must pay a $1,000 bond, surrender his passport, and use only a basic mobile phone for calls and texts. 



He is due back in court on 7 May. NSW Police and the Department of Communities and Justice said the breach was serious but assured the public it had been contained. Affected individuals are being contacted as the DCJ continues assessing the documents.

Published 29-April-2025

Google to Land International Subsea Cables at Maroubra

Did you know that Google has chosen Maroubra as the landing point for two major international subsea internet cables, Tabua and Honomoana, which will connect Australia with the United States, Fiji, French Polynesia and New Zealand? The infrastructure will provide critical backup and expanding connectivity options outside of Sydney’s already crowded cable protection zones.



Demand Drives Change

The proposal, submitted by Google through its licensed carrier Perch Infrastructure, was sparked by mounting congestion in Sydney’s northern and southern cable landing zones. According to the company’s submission to New South Wales planning authorities, twelve subsea cables already land in these areas, six in the southern zone alone, pushing the infrastructure close to capacity. Google is seeking permission not only to land the cables at Maroubra but also to extend the official southern cable protection zone boundary to include this new site. See the EIS Scoping Report here.

Maroubra subsea cable
Photo Credit: Google

Photo Credit: EIS Scoping Report

The planned landing point will be about one kilometre offshore, where the cables will either be buried beneath the seabed or laid on it, depending on environmental and technical considerations. From there, the cables will stretch out to the edge of New South Wales’ coastal waters, which extend 5.56 kilometres from the shoreline.

Community, Capacity and Connectivity

While the initiative is backed by one of the world’s largest tech companies, the impact is being felt on a local level. 

A recent community event at Maroubra Beach marked the beginning of the Sydney section of the cable build, attended by stakeholders including Randwick City Council, UGL, UEA, and members of the La Perouse Aboriginal community. Local contractors such as UEA Group have been tapped to handle the initial construction, supporting regional employment and economic activity.

Maroubra subsea cable
Photo Credit: Subco

This isn’t the first time Maroubra has been part of a significant digital infrastructure project. The area previously saw activity during the PPC-1 cable landing over a decade ago. In comparison, the new cables are expected to carry a far greater data capacity, up to 400 terabits per second, highlighting how much internet technology has advanced in just 15 years.

Preparing for the Future

Google’s broader project, known as the Pacific Connect Initiative, reflects rising internet demand across the Indo-Pacific region and the growing need for system redundancy. By using Maroubra as a landing point, the company aims to relieve pressure on existing zones while ensuring that Australia’s international internet links remain resilient and future-ready.



The final decision on the proposal rests with NSW planning authorities and the Australian Communications and Media Authority. If approved, Maroubra could soon become a key node in Australia’s digital network, linking the community directly to global communication routes.

Based on the EIS Scoping Report, construction of the project would take approximately 20 days (10 days per segment) within NSW coastal waters and is estimated to commence in December 2025.

Published 24-April-2025

Sydney Swans Star Isaac Heeney Plans New Maroubra Home

Sydney Swans midfielder Isaac Heeney has submitted plans to transform his recently acquired Maroubra property into a modern three-level home.



The 28-year-old footballer purchased the original-condition semi in February 2024 for $3 million, located just 200 meters from Maroubra Beach. This acquisition places Heeney close to his first Sydney home, a two-bedroom garden apartment he bought in 2018 for $1.56 million, approximately 400 meters away.

Randwick City Council is now reviewing Heeney’s ambitious renovation plans, which would completely reimagine the three-bedroom property. The proposed redesign by ARCM Design, initially sketched last June, comes with a construction cost of $478,500.

The plans reveal a sophisticated three-story home featuring Lohas Roman handmade external brickwork. The redesigned property will include four bedrooms—three on the upper level and one on the entry level—along with an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area that extends to an alfresco deck with access to the rear lawn.

In a significant layout change, the plans call for demolishing the existing four-car garage at the rear of the narrow 340 square meter block. New double garaging will instead be positioned at the front of the house, which will occupy 162 square meters of the site.

Timeline indicators suggest Heeney had been planning this redevelopment for some time, having placed the double-brick property on a six-month rental lease shortly after purchase.

The 206-game veteran, who performed strongly despite the Swans’ recent loss to Collingwood, has been with the team since 2015 after playing junior football with the Cardiff Hawks in his native Maitland.



Heeney appears to be following the property development path of former Swans captain Luke Parker, who recently joined Melbourne. Parker and his interior designer wife Kate are currently undertaking a major reconstruction of their nearby Malabar home.

Published 14-April-2025

Randwick ANZAC Banners Honour Maroubra and Surrounding Suburb Heroes

Two veterans from Maroubra are among six local service members recognised in Randwick’s 2025 ANZAC Day banner campaign, which also honours individuals from Malabar, Matraville and Little Bay.



Honouring Local Lives of Service and Sacrifice

Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

The campaign, endorsed by Randwick’s ANZAC Trust, aims to connect residents with local stories of military service—highlighting individuals who lived, worked, and served within the community.

Bert Tuck: Maroubra Surf Lifesaver and Gallipoli Soldier

Sergeant Albert Victor “Bert” Tuck for ANZAC day
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

Sergeant Albert Victor “Bert” Tuck, born in 1881 and raised in Darlinghurst, was a founding member of the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. A surf competitor and early coastal guard, he had served with the Sydney Scottish Rifles from 1899.

Mr Tuck enlisted in the AIF in August 1914, carrying over his rank of sergeant from the Sydney Scottish Rifles, where he had served since 1899. He trained at Randwick Camp and sailed on the Euripides with the 4th Infantry Battalion. During the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, he led and instructed his men under fire and was mentioned in dispatches for gallantry. He was killed the following day in a bayonet charge and is buried at Shell Green Cemetery.

His legacy is remembered not only in military records but also by surf club members who continue to honour him as a community hero.

Danny Jeffery: Maroubra RAAF Veteran and Mental Health Advocate

Squadron Leader Danny Jeffery for ANZAC day
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

Squadron Leader Danny Jeffery served 35 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, including deployments in Malaysia, East Timor, the Middle East and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan alone, he flew and coordinated 85 combat missions.

After being medically discharged in 2018 due to PTSD, Mr Jeffery became a leading figure in veterans’ mental health recovery. He competed in multiple Invictus Games and now mentors other veterans while remaining active with the Maroubra RSL Sub-Branch.

Mr Jeffery’s banner highlights both operational excellence and his continued contribution to veteran welfare in Maroubra.

Terry Farley: Malabar Army Officer and Fire Service Leader

Warrant Officer Class 2 Terry Farley for ANZAC day
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

Warrant Officer Class 2 Terry Farley has lived in Malabar since 1979. A career soldier, he served with Sydney-based Army units including Randwick Barracks and was deployed in Operation Resolute, Australia’s maritime border security mission.

In civilian life,  Mr Farley became a senior officer in Fire and Rescue NSW, rising to Chief Superintendent. He also volunteers as a surf lifesaver and rugby league coach. His banner honours his parallel careers in military service, emergency response and community leadership.

Vic Simon: Matraville Vietnam Veteran and Indigenous Leader

Victor “Vic” Simon for ANZAC day
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

Private Victor “Vic” Simon was a proud Worimi man. Mr Simon was one of only five Indigenous soldiers to fight at the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. Aged just 20, Mr Simon held off enemy forces during the four-hour battle, despite suffering blast injuries.

After returning home and settling in Matraville, Mr Simon worked for Sydney County Council and served on the board of the Matraville RSL. He was an active voice in Indigenous veteran history, placing a poppy each year for his mate Paul Large, who died at Long Tan.

Mr Simon passed away in 2020 after a battle with cancer. His story is now part of local history and national remembrance.

Edith Blake: Little Bay Nurse Lost at Sea

Sister Edith Blake for ANZAC day
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

Sister Edith Blake trained at the Coast Hospital in Little Bay from 1908. In 1912, she registered with the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association. Ms Blake’s application to join the AANS was rejected. She enlisted in 1915 with the British Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve.

Ms Blake served in Egypt and on hospital ships, and later cared for German POWs in England. In 1918, while serving aboard HMHS Glenart Castle, she was killed when the ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the Bristol Channel.

She is believed to be the only Australian nurse killed as a direct result of enemy action in World War I and is commemorated on the Hollybrook Memorial and Australian War Memorial’s Commemorative Roll.

Ted Sullivan: Randwick Anti-Aircraft Gunner of WWII

Craftsman Ted Sullivan
Photo Credit: Randwick City Council

Craftsman Ted Sullivan served with anti-aircraft artillery units in the Pacific during World War II, helping defend Allied positions under frequent Japanese air attacks. He lived in Randwick after the war and was active in the Coogee Randwick Clovelly RSL Sub-Branch.

Mr Sullivan passed away in 2024. His banner honours steady wartime duty and his quiet role in preserving community memory across generations.

Looking Ahead to ANZAC Day

The “Honouring Service” campaign was developed in 2024 through community nominations and is partly funded by an ANZAC Community Grant. Each veteran or their surviving family members will receive a replica of their banner at the 2025 ANZAC Civic Reception.



As banners fly across suburbs including Maroubra, Malabar, Matraville and Little Bay, the campaign brings the stories of local veterans into the public eye. It is part of Randwick Council’s broader effort to ensure their legacies remain visible beyond 25 April — the date Australians stop to remember their sacrifices.

Published 14-Apr-2025

Maroubra Entrepreneur Honoured for Transforming Local Education

An educational business founded in Maroubra has been recognised nationally after winning ‘Business of the Decade’ at the 2025 Australian Small Business Awards.



Background: A Local Start in Maroubra

Fifteen years ago, Harry Mavrolefteros and his brother launched First Education in a small storeroom above their parents’ optometry practice in Maroubra. The business began with a vision to change how students experienced learning—prioritising enjoyment, confidence, and empowerment. The optometry practice still operates in the community today, reflecting the family’s long-standing local ties.

First Education
Photo Credit: First Education

Expansion and Educational Impact

From its Maroubra roots, First Education has grown into a leading tutoring provider with over 200 tutors and more than 1,000 students. Centres now operate across Sydney, including Bondi, Earlwood, Mascot, and Randwick, with daily availability. The organisation offers one-on-one tutoring for students from Kindergarten through to Year 12, supporting all subjects with a focus on individual needs.

First Education’s method prioritises in-centre, personalised tutoring over group or home-based sessions. According to the business, this structure provides focused attention while avoiding distractions that often hinder learning at home. Sessions are designed to build student confidence and foster a lasting interest in learning.

Maroubra education business
Photo Credit: Harry Mavrolefteros/Facebook

Educational Philosophy and Student Outcomes

The founder’s early passion for mathematics shaped the organisation’s philosophy: education should uplift and empower. Tutors at First Education work to instil lifelong learning skills, aiming to build students’ self-esteem alongside academic performance. This approach has supported improved results, particularly in the senior years.

Community Engagement in Maroubra and Beyond

First Education’s original Maroubra centre remains active, contributing to local educational outcomes and community development. The business’s expansion into neighbouring suburbs has strengthened its presence across the Randwick area, helping students gain skills and confidence in a structured learning environment.

Maroubra education
Photo Credit: First Education/Facebook

While the recent national recognition highlights First Education’s business success, its founder described the achievement as a shared victory involving students, families, tutors, and local support. The acknowledgement also reflects the lasting educational impact the organisation continues to deliver across the region.

Conclusion: Ongoing Commitment to Learning



With its foundation in Maroubra, First Education remains focused on its mission to support students through personalised education. The award marks a significant milestone in the business’s development and its ongoing contribution to learning in local communities.

Published 10-Apr-2025

Malabar Residents Warned: Tree Vandalism Could Cost You $3,000

A warning has been issued to Malabar residents, stating that individuals caught poisoning public trees could face fines of up to $3,000. This comes after multiple incidents of tree vandalism in the area, with several trees deliberately damaged using drill holes.



Trees Under Threat

Tree vandalism has become a growing problem in Sydney, with four separate incidents reported in the past two years. The latest case involved a young tree on Cromwell Place, Malabar, being damaged with drill holes at its base. Local officials responsible for managing public greenery in the eastern suburbs have labelled tree poisoning a serious offence.

The first incident occurred in November 2023, when council staff discovered drill holes in a tree. A month later, two more Queensland Brushbox trees were vandalised. To address the issue, council workers performed ‘habitat pruning’ on the damaged trees in April 2024, ensuring the safety of the area while leaving trunks and main branches to provide a habitat for wildlife.

Tree Vandalism
Caption: The poisoned tree in Malabar.
Photo Credit: Catherine Tate/Facebook

Why Are Trees Being Targeted?

Margaret Hogg from Saving Sydney’s Trees has called for stronger action, highlighting that tree poisoning is becoming increasingly common in waterfront suburbs. She condemned the acts as selfish and ignorant, expressing support for the city authorities’ proactive stance on the matter.

Local officials have continued their efforts to restore the area by planting new scribbly gum trees in June 2024. However, suspected vandalism of these new trees was reported just five months later. In response, additional signage was installed to warn residents and potential vandals.

Voices of Concern

Residents and campaigners alike have expressed frustration at the repeated damage. Ms Hogg praised the authorities’ commitment to protecting the urban forest, emphasising the need for continued vigilance and community involvement to prevent further vandalism.

Legal Actions and Penalties

Under New South Wales law, the maximum fine for illegal tree removal can reach $1 million if the Land and Environment Court deems it severe. However, in Sydney, it is limited to issuing fines up to $3,000. In comparison, Melbourne councils can issue fines of up to $3,800, while other states, such as Western Australia, have significantly lower penalties.

Malabar tree poisoning
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only
Photo Credit: Pexels

Protecting Malabar’s Green Spaces



The council’s commitment to tackling tree vandalism in Malabar remains strong, with continued efforts to replant and protect public greenery. As authorities call on the community to help safeguard urban trees, the message is clear: acts of tree vandalism will not be tolerated.

Published 29-Mar-2025