Sutherland Shire Council is pushing ahead with plans to force the restoration of over 2,000 square metres of illegally cleared bushland in Barden Ridge, even as the property at the centre of the scandal has quietly changed hands. The move comes after a protracted battle with developer Amir Abu Abara, who faces substantial fines and a replanting order for the unauthorised clearing in 2020.
Bushland Bulldozed for 'Mega Mansion'
The saga began in November 2020 when residents of Barden Ridge noticed extensive land clearing at 167 Barden Ridge Road, a site zoned for environmental protection. Without council approval, significant native vegetation, including mature trees, was bulldozed to make way for what was then reported to be a two-storey, seven-bedroom mansion featuring a large swimming pool, tennis court, and a 16-car garage. The audacious scale of the proposed development, coupled with the blatant disregard for planning regulations and environmental protections, ignited community outrage.
ABC News NSW first brought the story to public attention, reporting on the swift action taken by Sutherland Shire Council. The council issued stop-work orders and subsequently fined Mr. Abu Abara a significant sum for the environmental damage. Furthermore, he was ordered to prepare a Vegetation Management Plan (VMP) and undertake extensive replanting works to rehabilitate the denuded site. This initial enforcement action was a clear signal from local authorities that such environmental vandalism would not be tolerated.
Developer's Plans Rejected, Land Changes Hands
Following the initial enforcement, Mr. Abu Abara submitted a development application (DA) for his ambitious mansion project. However, the council, backed by vociferous community opposition and its own planning guidelines, resoundingly rejected the proposal. The grounds for refusal included the scale of the development being out of character with the surrounding environmental zone, the irreversible damage to native habitat, and the failure to adequately address the replanting requirements stipulated in the earlier orders.
In a surprising twist, it has now come to light that Mr. Abu Abara is no longer the owner of the controversial Barden Ridge property. The land was reportedly sold in a confidential transaction, the details of which have not been publicly disclosed. This private sale raises questions about the ongoing responsibility for the mandated restoration works and whether the new owners will inherit the environmental obligations previously placed on Mr. Abu Abara. Sutherland Shire Council has confirmed it is aware of the sale but remains steadfast in its determination to see the land remediated, regardless of ownership.
Council Demands Restoration for Public Use
Despite the change in ownership, Sutherland Shire Council is maintaining its legal and environmental demands for the site's full restoration. A council spokesperson reiterated their commitment to ensuring the bushland is returned to its natural state, emphasising that illegal clearing carries long-term consequences for all parties involved. The council has indicated it is actively pursuing avenues to enforce the Vegetation Management Plan and the replanting orders against the current landowners, whoever they may be.
Sources close to the council suggest that the ultimate goal is not just remediation, but potentially exploring options to acquire the land for public benefit. Transforming the once-private, illegally cleared parcel into a dedicated community park or an extension of existing public reserves could turn a significant environmental transgression into a lasting community legacy. This would not only rectify the ecological damage but also provide a powerful deterrent against similar reckless development in the future, proving that profit cannot outweigh environmental protection and community values in the Sutherland Shire.