Amir Abu Abara: 600 native trees felled and 38,700 native plants ordered

Amir Abu Abara, a property businessman, cleared hundreds of native trees at Barden Ridge in southern Sydney to make way for a luxury mansion. The work was carried out without the required approval in an environmentally sensitive area, resulting in fines, legal costs and a far more substantial requirement: restore the site with 38,700 native plants.

What happened to the 600 felled trees?

Amir Abu Abara admitted carrying out unauthorised works on the 7.4-hectare Barden Ridge property. As well as clearing hundreds of trees, the work involved excavating around 6,000 cubic metres of soil, transforming land that had previously been covered by native vegetation.

The site forms part of a wildlife corridor connected to Heathcote National Park and the Woronora River. Threatened animals recorded in the area include koalas and the Powerful Owl, a large Australian owl listed as vulnerable in New South Wales.

• About 600 trees were removed during the works;
• 16 protected trees were among those affected;
• The land has an ecological link with Heathcote National Park;
• The property contains habitat used by threatened species.

What would the planned mansion on the site have included?

The initial plans proposed a neoclassical mansion valued at more than A$3 million. The design included six bedrooms, eight bathrooms and several leisure features that are unusual in a conventional home.

The proposed facilities included:

• A bowling alley;
• An indoor basketball court;
• A gym with a sauna;
• A private cinema;
• An infinity pool;
• An underground garage for six vehicles.

Why must Amir Abu Abara plant almost 39,000 native plants?

The order does not require Amir Abu Abara to plant 38,700 new trees. Instead, the restoration programme calls for 38,700 native plants of several types, including at least 600 trees, alongside other species needed to help recreate the vegetation cover that existed before the works.

What other penalties were imposed on the businessman?

The agreement reached to settle the legal dispute required payment of A$70,000, as well as A$39,000 in legal costs. The company associated with the businessman also remained liable for the environmental restoration of the property.

Further penalties were linked to compliance with the restoration requirements. The recorded consequences include:

• Payment of A$70,000 under the settlement;
• Payment of A$39,000 in legal costs;
• A requirement to carry out the vegetation restoration plan;
• Monitoring by local authorities to ensure the environmental measures are completed.

What will happen next to the cleared Barden Ridge site?

The later sale of the property did not remove the obligation to restore it. Sutherland Shire Council said responsibility remains with Amir Abu Abara's company, which must provide access to the land and complete the planting set out in the agreement. Authorities may also take further action if the restoration conditions are not met.

Restoring Barden Ridge means far more than simply replacing the number of trees that were removed. The aim is to rebuild native plant cover, stabilise the soil and restore part of the ecological corridor linked to the Woronora River and Heathcote National Park. It may take years before the vegetation can perform functions similar to those it provided before the clearing.