A Goldfields-Esperance landholder has been fined $65,000 after being convicted of unlawfully clearing native vegetation.
Maxwell Jan Szulc was convicted in the Esperance Magistrates Court of an offence under section 51C of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 relating to the clearing of native vegetation on a rural property near Munglinup.
The conviction followed an investigation by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), which identified the clearing of approximately 26 hectares of native vegetation, which provides important habitat and environmental values, between August and October 2021.
The clearing was detected through satellite imagery analysis and was later confirmed during an on-site inspection by departmental investigators.
No clearing permit had been granted for the property and the clearing was not authorised under any exemption.
The court acknowledged that Mr Szulc had previously been subject to a permanent clearing injunction at the property and was aware of his obligations under environmental law.
Magistrate Yoo imposed a $65,000 fine and ordered Mr Szulc to pay $5,000 in costs.
DWER’s Executive Director Assurance, Ruth Dowd, said the case reinforced the importance of complying with Western Australia’s clearing laws.
“Native vegetation provides critical environmental values, including habitat for wildlife, protection of soil and water resources, and resilience to climate impacts,” Ms Dowd said.
“Clearing native vegetation without approval undermines these values. The Department takes these matters seriously and will investigate and take enforcement action as required.”
Members of the public can report suspected unlawful clearing or other environmental incidents to the Environment Watch hotline on 1300 784 782 or online at environmentwatch.wa.gov.au.
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