Frankston City Council has issued a public statement addressing growing community concern about alleged illegal vegetation removal and unauthorised works across the municipality, including on coastal Crown land.
The Mayor confirmed the concerns were being taken seriously and said Council is working alongside the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), which is the lead enforcement authority for coastal areas.
In the statement, Mayor Kris Bolam said:
Frankston City Council is aware of recent public concern regarding alleged illegal works and vegetation removal across our municipality, including along the foreshore and at locations inland.
He reinforced that unapproved clearing, construction and encroachment on public land are unlawful activities that can cause environmental damage and undermine coastline stability.
Illegal vegetation removal, unauthorised construction and encroachment on public land is unlawful. These actions damage ecosystems, undermine the safety and stability of our coastline, and diminish the natural beauty that our community and visitors deeply value.
Council has encouraged residents to report suspected breaches, noting that significant penalties apply for unauthorised clearing. In serious cases, landowners may also be required to restore damaged land.
Earlier this year a Langwarrin landowner was convicted in the Magistrates’ Court over unlawful mass vegetation removal and received financial penalties. Council referenced the outcome as evidence that offences are investigated and pursued.
The Mayor said Council’s urban renewal and investment agenda would not override its environmental responsibilities.
While Frankston City Council is driving an ambitious transformation agenda to revitalise our city and attract investment, this progress will never come at the expense of our natural environment.
Council did not provide details on the current reports under investigation, citing regulatory processes, but said further information would be released when appropriate.
Residents are encouraged to contact Council’s Planning Investigations Team on 1300 322 322 if they witness suspected illegal vegetation removal.
A previous media release regarding the Langwarrin case can be found on Frankston City Council’s website.
