Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has threatened to "throw the book" at those behind the demolition of six pre-1946 homes in Brisbane, Australia’s inner-north over the weekend.

Brisbane company Deen Brothers destroyed the houses in the early hours of Saturday morning despite the council having no record of the demolition being approved.

A furious Cr Newman said their destruction appeared to be a "totally unauthorized, illegal act" and the council would pursue the case in the courts.
"We had council officers down there in the early hours of Saturday morning on site gathering evidence and we will be taking the matter as far as we possibly can and as hard and vigorously as we can," he said.

If the demolition was proven to be illegal, Cr Newman said owner Chilmac faced a fine of more than $600,000 for each offense.

The individuals responsible would also be liable for a fine of up to $125,000 for each lot.

The houses sat on a corner block ringed by Kingsford Smith Drive, Allen Street and Nudgee Road at Hamilton, which is part of a demolition control precinct.
Under council regulations a development approval is required to demolish or improve any home in such a precinct.

Cr Newman said the council had no record of any such application in relation to these homes.

"If we can gather ... suitable evidence we will be prosecuting this to the full extent under the law," he said.

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