Company convicted for illegal clearing in the Wheatbelt

Media release
A Moora company has been fined $25,000 for illegally clearing 39 hectares of native vegetation at properties in Waddington and Walebing.
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Kingstripe Pty Ltd was convicted in the Moora Magistrates Court for clearing land between January 2016 and November 2017 without seeking required approvals from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).

The company was also ordered to pay $328.70 in costs.

In handing down his decision Magistrate Gregory Benn said it was an extremely serious offence.

The cleared area was potentially a significant feeding and breeding habitat for Carnaby’s cockatoos.

DWER has also issued Kingstripe with a Vegetation Conservation Notice which requires revegetation of 40 hectares of native vegetation on the properties.

DWER’s Executive Director Compliance and Enforcement, Stuart Cowie said the court outcome sent a strong message against illegal clearing.

“The Department is committed to ensuring clearing is done legally, and in line with regulations,” he said.

“We will continue to take action, when appropriate, against those who disregard the law.”