Media release – Forest Practices Authority (FPA), 3 May 2024
516 BHP Pty Ltd convicted and fined $120,000 for illegal land clearing
Following an extensive investigation by the Forest Practices Authority (FPA), the Hobart Magistrates Court has convicted and fined NSW company 516 BHP Pty Ltd $120,000 for unlawful and unauthorised forest practices.
The offences involved clearing and conversion of 6.8 ha of a wetland, which is a threatened native vegetation community, and clearing of 12.8 hectares of melaleuca forest for agricultural development in West Montagu, near Smithton.
“The decision of the Magistrates Court sends a clear message about the serious nature of these offences,” FPA’s Chief Forest Practices Officer, Anne Chuter said.
“The forest practices system provides a process for identifying and considering environmental and other sensitive values.
“This unlawful impact on the wetland, a sensitive and important ecosystem, would have been avoided if the forest practices process 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 start operations.”
Information on land clearing regulation can be found on the FPA’s website at www.fpa.tas.gov.au.
