He had called for the council to install a light at the top of a pole without success, then trimmed a nearby tree to allow more light in after he felt the council had not trimmed it enough.
Mr Broinowski was keen to see the tree pared back to allow CCTV cameras operating from people’s homes to cover the area.
He said he asked for the light fitting to improve vision and deter criminals in the area at night.
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READ NOWMr Broinowski, who plans to protest the fine, said he planted the tree about 17 years ago and had previously had permission to maintain it.
City of Belmont chief executive Stuart Cole said Mr Broinowski received a modified penalty of $500 for unauthorised damage to three Council trees, offences that would normally attract a $5000 fine.
‘In 1994, as a gesture of community engagement and co-operation, the City granted Mr Broinowski conditional approval to plant and maintain the garden bed in Copley Park located adjacent to his boundary fence only, noting that this area is not within his private property,’ he said.
‘However Mr Broinowski was advised in writing in 2010 by the Mayor that tree pruning is a function of Council and will not be delegated to any members of the public.
‘At no time did Mr Broinowski seek approval prior to undertaking his unauthorised action.’