Two fined for illegal land clearance

By Tania Martin
AN OLINDA man and his contractor have been prosecuted for disregarding Shire of Yarra Ranges planning regulations.
They were convicted and fined $21,000 for undertaking illegal earthworks and removing vegetation.
Ringwood Magistrates’ Court heard in two separate cases on Thursday, 15 February and Thursday, 22 March that the landowner and his contractor carried out extensive excavation work without the knowledge or permission of the council.
Shire manager of community relation James Martin said the illegal works included the grading of two tiered areas and excavation for a swimming pool.
Mr Martin said an area for a horse arena and for two dams was also excavated. He said more than 1590 square metres of vegetation were cleared without council permission.
Mr Martin said the native vegetation that was removed included wattle trees, conifers and pine tress.
Both men were found guilty of several breaches of the Planning and Environment Act.
The contractor was fined $8000 and the owner was ordered to pay $8780.
Stretton Ward councillor Noel Cliff said the conviction of the men and the hefty fines was a timely warning to residents.
Cr Cliff said this case was a warning for anyone considering undertaking earthworks or removing vegetation without a permit.
“The plain and simple message from this is do the right thing by the environment and apply for a planning permit,” he said.
Cr Cliff said the council has now submitted an application to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for reinstatement works to be undertaken on the land.