An east coast landowner has been hit with a $100,000 fine for illegally clearing trees on his property, including a patch of threatened native bushland.
The Forest Practices Authority, Tasmania’s independent forestry regulator, said the landowner was prosecuted following a “complex investigation” into the unauthorised clearing.
The Hobart Magistrates Court recorded convictions on all charges and handed down the fine.
The authority said the clearing involved trees that couldn’t legally be cleared, as well as the destruction of a threatened native vegetation community.
In sentencing, the magistrate said general deterrence was a primary consideration, according to the authority.
Chief Forest Practices Officer Anne Chuter said the result showed how seriously these offences were being taken.
“The Magistrates Court’s decision sends a strong message that these offences will not be tolerated and reinforces that Tasmania’s forest practices system will be actively enforced to safeguard environmental values,” Chuter said.
She said the landowner had gained a financial leg-up by clearing land he wasn’t allowed to touch.
“In this case, the landowner derived agricultural benefit by clearing and converting forests that could not be lawfully cleared due to their significant environmental values,” she said.
“This not only resulted in serious environmental harm but also created an unfair advantage over landowners who comply with the law and therefore cannot realise the same agricultural benefit.”
The Forest Practices Authority said landowners can find information about land-clearing rules on its website.
