Threatened Melaleuca and Eucalyptus forests on King Island have been damaged by illegal clearing, leading to $40,000 in fines for two landholders.
John Davis and Geraldine Davis each pleaded guilty to four charges under the Forest Practices Act 1985, which included clearing trees, failing to comply with a stop work notice and the destruction of native vegetation communities.
The Launceston Magistrates Court convicted the pair this week following an “extensive and complex” investigation by the Forest Practices Authority (FPA) that uncovered the unauthorised clearing.
According to the FPA, the landowners cleared approximately 24 hectares of land, 12.5 hectares of which were classified as threatened native vegetation communities.
“The decision of the Magistrates Court sends a clear message of the serious nature of these offences,” 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.”
Mulder said that the “unlawful land clearing” could have been prevented if the proper procedures 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,” he said.
