Police and Wollongong City Council are investigating "distressing" tree vandalism in Berkeley on the weekend.
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Residents were shocked to see two men armed with chainsaws arrive on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in a utility at 62 Nottingham Street, Berkeley.
Despite residents objecting to the vandalism, the men butchered 15 or more Remnant Dry Rainforest, Gum and Norfolk Island trees within an identified heritage and rainforest area.
After calling police, residents were forced to look on helplessly as large, established trees fell to the ground.
Residents who spoke to the Mercury wanted to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation as their objections on the weekend were meet with hostility, aggression and they were told to "mind their own business".
"It was pretty distressing to see," one resident said.
"They were deliberately cutting down the trees.
"They were chopping them willy nilly with no regard for the species type.
"It is general knowledge that there is rainforest and heritage land in the area.
"All the other residents have to abide by the rules.
"We tried to tell them there are heavy fines to cut down the trees."
Another resident said she was not a "greenie" but nearly "teared up" seeing the large trees knocked down on the land, which is for sale.
The men fled before police arrived but returned on Sunday afternoon to cut down about four or more trees.
A police spokeswoman confirmed police attended the scene on Sunday and inquiries were continuing.
Both residents described hearing the squawks of distressed black and white cockatoos that lived in the habitat.
"The birds were squawking after sundown, which they don't usually do, maybe looking for their chicks or nests." one resident said. "The birds seemed distraught."
Some neighbours went to look for any fallen nests or chicks after the men left but didn't not find any.
A council spokesman said officers attended the site on Tuesday and council was investigating.
"Council has tree protection measures for all trees on private property," he said. "All property owners should contact the council prior to removing any trees, unless they are exempt tree species.
"To remove or prune trees on a private property, property owners need a tree management permit or a development application from the council.
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