Townsville man fined $145,000 for cutting illegal path through mangroves to his property
A Queenslander has been slammed over a “heartbreaking” offence near his property, copping a whopping fine for his “brazen” act.
Environment
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A Townsville man has been fined nearly $145,000 for illegally clearing internationally-recognised wetlands in Cape Cleveland within Bowling Green Bay National Park.
The man had spent over six months from October 2019 and June 2020 clearing over 19,000 square meters, or roughly three football grounds, of wetlands to carve a 2km road linking his property to Alligator Creek.
Despite being advised by the department against interfering with the national park and protected wetlands, the man proceeded with his lengthy excavation.
The construction involved the destruction of thousands of mangrove trees and the unauthorised removal of soil from the national park to solidify the road.
The man also built a boat ramp and several causeways across Alligator Creek and nearby Crocodile Creek using earth, waste materials like rocks, concrete, bricks, and used pipes, causing further damage to the national park and obstructing the natural flow of tidal waters.
The illegal construction was reported to the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service in April 2020, leading to a joint investigation with the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP), confirming significant environmental damage.
On 19 February, the perpetrator pleaded guilty to all 11 offences in Townsville Magistrates Court, resulting in a $20,000 fine, nearly $5000 in costs, and a $120,000 order towards restoration on March 6, 2024.
The case marked the first use of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 by DESI to obtain a public benefit order for restoration costs due to damage to a protected area.
Senior Conservation Officer Craig Dunk said the “brazen” actions of this person had caused serious environmental harm to one of the world’s most important ecosystems.
“The damage that has been wilfully done to these wetlands will take years to fully recover and could create flow-on affects to wider ecosystem including the Great Barrier Reef – it’s heartbreaking,” Mr Dunk said.
“Today’s decision reaffirms our continued commitment to a zero tolerance of environmental harm within our nationally and internationally recognised protected areas.
“Those who have the privilege of living next to our beautiful, protected areas have a responsibility to carry out the necessary checks before doing any clearing that might impact the park.
“We hope this court outcome sends a strong message that we won’t hesitate to hold people accountable for damaging our precious environment.”
Fisheries Queensland Executive Director Dallas D’Silva said the result sent a clear message to others in the area looking to disrupt the local ecosystem.
“Mangroves are critical to fish habitats and the environment more generally and there are severe consequences for destroying them,” Mr D’Silva said.
“This penalty with $20,000 in fines and a $120,000 restoration order makes the consequences clear – do not damage mangroves because it may cost you dearly.”
Originally published as Townsville man fined $145,000 for cutting illegal path through mangroves to his property
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