Man fined $40k for poisoning 700-year-old bayside mangroves

A man has been fined tens of thousands of dollars for illegally clearing more than 1200 sqm of protected mangroves, some up to 700 years old, on Crown land on Brisbane’s bayside.

The destroyed mangroves on an island on Brisbane’s Bayside. Picture: Department of Primary Industries

A Queensland man has been fined $40,000 for illegally destroying more than 1200 sqm of protected mangroves on Crown land adjacent to his property on Brisbane’s bayside.

The destruction included some mangroves estimated to be up to 700 years old.

The case, prosecuted under section 163 of the Planning Act 2016 for carrying out assessable development without a permit, was heard in Wynnum Magistrates Court with the penalties finalised on February 7.

The defendant had pleaded not guilty but was ultimately convicted on December 19, 2024, by Wynnum Magistrate Zac Sarra.

During the hearing, expert evidence presented by the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol showed that the mangroves had been deliberately poisoned.

The court heard the vital marine plants, including grey, orange, and red mangroves, played a crucial role in maintaining the health of local ecosystems, supporting fish stocks, and protecting shorelines from erosion.

Hacked trees.

Destruction of protected mangroves is treated as a serious offence under Queensland law with all marine plants in the state safeguarded under the Fisheries Act 1994, and penalties for unlawful damage reaching up to $725,850.

Along with the fine, the defendant was forced to pay $7000 in professional costs along with a $101.40 filing fee.

No conviction was recorded, and the penalty has been referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry for collection.

After the penalty was handed down, Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the case served as a strong warning against environmental destruction.

He said mangroves were important in sustaining fisheries, maintaining water quality, and protecting coastal areas from storm surges.

“This case is a warning; we take the wilful and selfish destruction of the environment seriously. These marine habitats are protected by legislation,” he said in a statement.

“The destruction of protected marine plants is detrimental to Queensland’s fisheries productivity and sustainability.”

Branches of the mangroves were hacked off. Picture: Department of Primary Industries

Fisheries Queensland has reiterated that anyone found damaging or destroying marine plants without proper approval will face strict penalties.

This case is one of several recent prosecutions including that of a Townsville man ordered to pay close to $145,000 for illegally clearing almost three football stadiums-worth of internationally-recognised wetlands in Bowling Green Bay National Park.

An investigation was also launched into an alleged tree poisoning at North Stradbroke Island in front of the hotel and pub.

The recent Wynnum case prompted authorities to urge residents and property owners to be aware of their responsibilities managing land near protected marine environments.

Fisheries Queensland said it would continue to monitor and investigate cases of environmental destruction and has asked anyone with information about illegal activities involving marine plants to report them.