Crunch time in Thornlie tree saga

as posted here

THE City of Gosnells will go to court to force Richard Pennicuik down from the gum tree that has been his home since December 7.

A City officer, tree specialists, a traffic management team and security guards attended Mr Pennicuik’s Hume Road property earlier today.

Mr Pennicuik refused their formal request to end his vigil.

Last last year, the City removed several trees on Hume Road because of safety concerns. Mr Pennicuik has refused to leave the tree outside his home over the past three months.

Gosnells chief executive officer Ian Cowie said the City now had little choice but to take the matter to court.

“We have made every effort to avoid court action against the protester, but he has refused to listen to reason, even ignoring the advice of his own lawyer," he said.

"Now the protester faces fines of up to $5000 initially and up to $500 for each day the protest continues.

“Other residents have had their lives turned upside down by this protest. They have been the innocent victims of abuse and bullying.

“The City tried everything to bring this to a conclusion and to offer the man a dignified end to his protest.

"However, every offer we made, including a three-month breathing space to allow the man to come down, was rejected. We will now proceed to court and let the law takes its course."

He said the City of Gosnells would poll Hume Road residents to select replacement trees for the street.


as posted here