The developer of a childcare centre at the former Laverton Park Primary School has been fined for illegally removing three eucalyptus trees planted by pupils 46 years ago.
Hobsons Bay council fined both developer MLP Developments and demolition contractor City Circle $1476 for each lopped tree, a total of $8856.
The land owner, Philippine Fiesta of Victoria (PFV), also received a formal warning.
PFV was also investigated three years ago after mature trees were removed from near the corner of Thomas and Armstrong streets.
But no breach was found when it was proved the trees were not native but were planted when the school was built.
PFV chairman Ross Manuel said the latest tree removal was the result of a misunderstanding by City Circle.
“The demolisher … accepted responsibility,” he said.
Hobsons Bay councillor Carl Marsich said the fine served as a warning.
“These trees were planted by students when the school opened in 1969, and our local community has been very vocal in its dismay at their removal,” he said.
He said the planning permit would need to be amended to show how PFV proposed to replace the trees.
“This process will cost a new application fee and may delay the project, making it a very costly error,” Cr Marsich said.
