{"id":131,"date":"2026-03-31T19:08:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T19:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golliza.com\/?p=131"},"modified":"2026-03-31T19:08:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T19:08:00","slug":"anger-over-developers-plan-to-build-10-million-mansion-on-illegally-cleared-land","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golliza.com\/?p=131","title":{"rendered":"Anger over developer’s plan to build $10 million mansion on illegally cleared land"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A property developer who illegally felled hundreds of native trees has submitted new plans to build a $10 million luxury mansion in Sydney’s south and cut down even more vegetation, despite being ordered to remediate environmentally friendly land.<\/p>\n

Amir Abu Abara, owner of the 7.4 hectare property in Baden Ridge, was fined $70,000 in July after Sutherland Shire Council agreed to drop a two-year legal case against the businessman.<\/p>\n

In August, the ABC revealed that Mr Abara had illegally cut down hundreds of native trees without development approval to build a $3 million luxury six-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion on the Woronora River.<\/p>\n

As part of the mandatory undertaking signed, the 40-year-old agreed to restore the land to the condition it was in before the illegal clearing took place. This includes replanting a mix of 38,700 plants, including 600 native trees.<\/p>\n

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The development application, filed in 2023, was for a $3 million neoclassical-style luxury mansion. (Source: Development application<\/span>)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

But in early March, Abara filed a new development application to build a mansion, pool and road access worth an estimated $9,853,863.<\/p>\n

The development application contains the same architectural drawings and concept design as the application submitted in 2023 and originally rejected.<\/p>\n

It features the same ten-pin bowling alley, indoor basketball court, gym with sauna, infinity pool, movie theater, prayer room, man cave, library, and underground parking with six parking spaces.<\/p>\n

But the proposal also includes plans to cut down an additional 23 trees to create a 160m-long driveway leading to the mansion.<\/p>\n

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Aerial photo comparison of the Burden Ridge property from 2020 to 2025. \/ (Source: MetroMap by Aerometrex).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The community is \u201cangry, sad and very frustrated.\u201d<\/h2>\n

An environmental report found Mr Abara’s property is located on environmentally sensitive land and is home to endangered species such as koalas and powerful owls.<\/p>\n

Woronora River Community Association secretary Iris Freeman said the community was “angry, saddened and extremely frustrated” that the landowner was working on a new development application rather than restoring vegetation.<\/p>\n

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“Isn’t that just a slap in the face? It really shows a complete disregard for the environment and the law.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Freeman said.<\/span><\/div>\n

“By allowing this, you’re setting a precedent. We’re going to see more of this in the future.”<\/p>\n

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Plans include a ten-pin bowling alley, an indoor basketball court, and an infinity pool. (Source: Development application<\/span>)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Abara did not respond to a request for comment by deadline.<\/p>\n

He previously submitted an apology to the court as part of an enforceable undertaking he signed, acknowledging his actions were “wrong and I sincerely apologize” and saying he hoped “I can undo the pain I have caused”. [to] community”.<\/p>\n

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Abara was fined $70,000 for cutting down trees on Baden Ridge. (ABC News: Timothy Alwood<\/span>)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Council to evaluate the application<\/h2>\n

Sutherland Shire Council said in a statement that it had no powers to “prevent property owners from submitting development applications on their land” and that applications would be assessed on their merits.<\/p>\n

But the council added it was “deeply committed” to holding landowners to account for recent failures to comply with legally enforceable terms and conditions set out in the works.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny proposed development of this site is, of course, conditional on the property owner being able to meet the terms of a vegetation management plan that will force the reforestation of areas where illegal logging has taken place,\u201d the council said.<\/p>\n

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The reforestation work is expected to be completed within 18 months from July 2025. (ABC News: Timothy Alwood<\/span>)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Sutherland Shire Council fined Abara $30,000 in February after finding he had failed to comply with mandatory sediment and erosion control measures he had agreed to complete as part of a vegetation management plan.<\/p>\n

A further $45,000 penalty notice was issued in late March after the council said Mr Abbala had “continued to neglect remedial works to protect the nearby Woronora River”.<\/p>\n

According to the mandatory initiative, the reforestation work is to be completed within 18 months from July 2025.<\/p>\n

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Iris Freeman says the plan is a “slap in the face”. (ABC News: Timothy Alwood<\/span>)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Freeman said Abara had no intention of giving up on his mansion ambitions, even though he racked up $145,000 in fines.<\/p>\n