Tree removal with lack of consultation

Posting on behalf of a friend…. she is in a property with a well established mango tree on common property. When making an enquiry about and unrelated matter the EC sec. advised her that the tree was going to be removed as the EC had received complaints over a period of time that it is causing mould on balconies nearby, that it poses a risk to the sewer line, and that it is causing rust to garage roofing. one of the reasons my friend bought this unit was because of this tree and the privacy and pleasant outlook it provides to her otherwise exposed unit.

My friend is on the EC and was never advised of any of these complaints nor of the decision to remove the tree – I have viewed the correspondence she received from the sec and it seems that the sec has taken it upon herself to arrange tree removal without consultation. There is no mention of council approval being sought, nor has their been a meeting of the EC to discuss the matter. It seems there have been no real investigations into the cause of the mould or rust, the opinion of the gardener seems to have been accepted as gospel. NOne of the owners in affected properties have been consulted it seems.

Her strata manager has been unhelpful, they advised the sec. that she could approve the removal and expenditure (< $500) without going to a meeting or advising anyone on the EC, the managers final response today re this is that its not their problem and that the owners will have to sort it out between themselves. I have never heard of the sec. being given this sort of power without it being specifically delegated to them, is this correct? Also, given that the removal of the tree may negatively affect the properties of other owners i would have thought it necessary to advise all???? My friend has contacted the local council who advise approval must be sought but no action can be taken by them until the tree is removed illegally! Any suggestions on how to deal with this would be appreciated   Sarah