Big fines for illegal land clearing

The Launceston Magistrates court this week fined and convicted John Davis and Geraldine Davis $20,000 each for illegal land clearing.

The pair each pleaded guilty to four charges under the Forest Practices Act 1985 including clearing trees, and clearance and conversion of two threatened native vegetation communities (Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest and Eucalyptus brookeriana wet forest) on King Island, as well as failing to comply with a stop work notice. 

Overall approximately 24 hectares were illegally cleared, of which 12.5 hectares were threatened native vegetation communities. 

“The decision of the Magistrates Court sends a clear message of the serious nature of these offences,” FPA Acting Chief Forest Practices Officer, Willem Mulder said. 

“The forest practices system provides a process for identifying and considering environmental and other sensitive values through a certified forest practices plan. Clearance and conversion of threatened native vegetation communities is not normally permitted under the system. 

“This unlawful land clearing would have been avoided if the forest practices process had been followed. It is important that landowners check the FPA’s website or contact the FPA to find out about clearing regulations before they commence operations.”