Breaking: Bushland Fines, Sale, and a Rejected Mega-Mansion
The former owner of a 7.4-hectare site in Barden Ridge sold the property just weeks before a $10 million mega-mansion proposal was rejected and a $70,000 fine for illegal bushland clearing was imposed.
The Fine and the Restoration Order
In July 2024, Amir Abu Abara was fined $70,000 and ordered to replant 38,700 plants, including 600 native trees, after illegally clearing bushland on his property in 2020.
The enforceable undertaking, signed by Abara's company (ACCS Family Holdings), requires him to complete the replanting within about seven months and maintain it for two years.
The Sale
In early June 2024, Abara sold the property off-market to Assetra Property Pty Ltd for $850,000 — $40,000 less than his 2019 purchase price.
- Assetra Property was registered in late April 2024 by tax agent Rakeshkumar Sanghvi.
- Sanghvi is also the sole director of Stonegate Ventures Pty Ltd.
"The change in ownership does not relieve Abara's company from its obligations under the enforceable undertaking." — Sutherland Shire Council
The Rejected Mega-Mansion
The council's development panel rejected Abara's application for a $10 million mansion in late July 2024 due to excessive size, scale, and environmental concerns.
The proposed mansion included:
Feature Detail Bedrooms Six Bathrooms Ten Amenities Bowling alley, indoor basketball courtThe council's assessment described the development as "monolithic" and unable to adequately demonstrate vegetation restoration.
Environmental Significance
The site along the Woronora River is habitat for:
- Endangered koalas
- The threatened powerful owl
"How can Abara be held liable for replanting on land he no longer owns?" — Deb Cansdell, Woronora River Community Association member
Abara accepted the enforceable undertaking in exchange for the council dropping criminal prosecution, which carried potential penalties of up to $5 million.
The Community's Concerns
Deb Cansdell of the Woronora River Community Association questioned how Abara could be held liable for replanting on land he no longer owns and stated the community has received no communication from the council.
The Sutherland Shire Council stated it will monitor compliance and may take further enforcement action if needed.
The enforceable undertaking remains in effect despite the sale.