Tree scam warning

By Tania Martin
HILLS residents are being warned to watch out for tree lopping scammers following the release of the State Government’s 10/30 Right plan.
Just hours after the plan was released on Monday 31 August, a group of men scoured the area telling unsuspecting residents they had to have their trees removed.
The plan will give landowners the right to clear vegetation including trees within 10 metres of their homes and any ground fuel within 30 metres from their property without a permit.
Mt Evelyn environmentalist Franc Smith was one of the first scam victims.
He was shocked when confronted with a man saying he had dangerous trees that needed to be removed immediately.
But Mr Smith had just had his trees assessed by a Shire of Yarra Ranges arborist. He asked the man for a business card but he was unable to produce one. Mr Smith has warned others to contact police if it happens again.
One elderly Mt Evelyn woman also called the council last week concerned she would have to sell her house to cut the trees down.
Shire spokesman James Martin said the woman was told she had to have several trees removed and it would cost $5000 each.
Billanook Ward councillor Tim Heenan was not surprised by the news.
“I have no doubt this is the perfect opportunity for people to take advantage of the elderly,” he said.
“They will come along with no certificate of insurance and pose a dangerous risk and will pressure people.”
Cr Heenan said residents have a choice whether to remove trees as part of the plan and has urged those who are unsure to contact the council.
Evelyn MP Christine Fyffe was disgusted by the scammers. She has joined the council and Monbulk MP James Merlino in assuring residents that they are not obliged to remove any trees from their properties.
“Its appalling people would take advantage of the more vulnerable in society,” Ms Fyffe said.
Mr Merlino said the plan was about striking the right balance between protecting lives and properties and recognising both the value and beauty of the natural environment that many call home in the Dandenongs.
“It is abhorrent to see a small minority of people taking advantage of elderly people in our community and I urge anyone who has been approached with unsolicited offers to contact Consumer Affairs Victoria,” he said.
Mr Merlino said door-to-door sales people in Victoria must show identification including their full name, business and address.
He said they also must provide written contracts outlining the amount to be paid for the service and also offer a 10-day cooling off period.
Mr Merlino has urged hills residents approached by suspect tradespeople to refuse the offer and report it to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) by calling 1300 55 81 81.
“If door-knocked, take down as much information as you can, such as the trader’s name, their vehicle registration and any another identifying features,” Mr Merlino said.