Councillor Larry Whipper has renewed calls for stricter tree clearing guidelines in Wingecarribee Shire Council as a result of concerns over tree clearing at Hill Top.
Concerned neighbours contacted Cr Whipper this week to report clearing of radiata pines from a Hill Top property. Residents were particularly concerned that birds were nesting in the trees being cleared.
Cr Whipper said that the clearing was approved as part of a two-stage sub-division around four or five years ago and the owner was legally allowed to clear.
However, Cr Whipper said while the trees were considered to be of little value when the development was approved, issues such as wildlife habitat and heritage values were not taken into account at the time.
Cr Whipper said stricter control of tree clearing was needed to reflect the changing philosophy of council and the community.
"This clearing poses a concern given the fact that there are some birds nesting in the trees and some other wildlife," he said.
Full story in Wednesday's Southern Highland News.
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