Central Queensland man fined for illegal land clearing
10 February 2012
A Central Queensland man was today fined $83,000 for clearing nearly 100 hectares of native vegetation at Wurdong Heights in Gladstone.
Department of Environment and Resource Management Assistant Director-General Dean Ellwood said Christopher Peter Dahl pleaded guilty to one charge of carrying out assessable development without a permit, contrary to the Integrated Planning Act 1997.
The Gladstone Magistrates Court also ordered Mr Dahl to pay investigation and legal costs totalling $9735.
"Queensland’s vegetation management laws are designed to protect vital regrowth and remnant vegetation and its high biodiversity values, while allowing landholders to manage their properties responsibly," Mr Ellwood said.
"Mr Dahl did not consult the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) about the clearing, nor did he apply for a permit.
"Landholders considering clearing vegetation should consult DERM before clearing, as well as their relevant local government and Federal Government departments, and follow their advice," Mr Ellwood said.
Last updated 10 February 2012