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Sydney Morning Herald

WIRES volunteers told tree pruning to feed sick animals is ‘illegal' by City of Canada Bay council

In Canada Bay, the council urged volunteers to find other sites such as Sydney Olympic Park, Callan Park, Western Sydney Parklands, and the Ku-ring-gai Council area. But many volunteers, such as possum carer Kristen Spasojevic, don't have the means to travel so far. Canada Bay suggested they could drop by with cuttings from council pruning activities. However, Spasojevic said this isn't always suitable as possums need a good variety of leaf species, with both mature and young foliage. A ringtail possum currently under WIRES care in North Strathfield. Credit: Nick Moir Local Liberal MP Stephanie Di Pasqua was contacted by the volunteers after their efforts to find a solution with the council stalled. She said the decision is 'just plain wrong'. 'This decision is another example of bureaucratic red tape getting in the way of common sense. Council should be working alongside WIRES volunteers, not creating hurdles that make it harder for them to care for injured and endangered wildlife,' she said. In a statement, a council spokesperson said it has offered to support the volunteers by providing some foliage collected in the course of approved works by staff and contractors. 'Our trees are an important part of our natural environment, so it's crucial that pruning is undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals who are trained to manage trees in a way that preserves their health and structure,' the spokesperson said. Tree vandalism is an increasing issue for Canada Bay and other harbour-front councils across Sydney, especially at reserves blocking potential harbour views. The state government is pursuing increasing the penalties, which currently stand at $3000 fines for individuals. Start the day with a summary of the day's most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.