Resources Department warns Lucinda residents over native vegetation clearing

Residents of an idyllic beach-side town in North Queensland have been left scratching their heads after receiving threatening letters from the Department of Resources.

The Lucinda sunrise pictured from Borello Park. Picture: Kyle Thomson

Residents of an idyllic beach-side town in North Queensland have been left scratching their heads after receiving letters warning them from the Department of Resources.

In the letters to a number of homeowners in Lucinda, Hinchinbrook, the department alleges that it has “received allegations of unauthorised native vegetation clearing” along Lions Johnson Park on Patterson Parade.

The park provides million-dollar views of the pristine beach, the 5.76-kilometre Lucinda sugar jetty, Hinchinbrook Island and the Coral Sea.

“The department has investigated the matter and, while no offender was identified in this instance, the department will continue to monitor the situation ... and take appropriate compliance action where necessary.”

Ominously, the department warns that the policing could include “satellite-detected changes in vegetation” with illegal clearing falling under two different government regulations.

One resident confirmed he had received the letter but binned it, while a second recipient said the area concerned was about 100 metres from the rear of his property in a parcel of scrub running parallel to the beach.

The man, who did not wish to be identified, said the threat of satellite surveillance seemed like “bureaucracy gone mad”, particularly considering the land in question was maintained by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

The Hinchinbrook Shire Council has been given government approval to clear land adjacent to Lions Park on Patterson Parade in Lucinda of scrub to provide better dollar views of the pristine beach, the 5.76-kilometre Lucinda sugar jetty, Hinchinbrook Island and the Coral Sea. The initiative has upset a small number of residents and council staff. Picture: Cameron Bates

The Department of Resources, meanwhile, muddied the waters further, stating that the unauthorised clearing had been reported by an officer from the council who had requested its assistance.

A spokesperson confirmed that “a number of letters” had been sent to Lucinda residents concerning the issue of “unauthorised clearing along the foreshore”.

“These letters serve to educate the community about the importance of adhering to regulations regarding native vegetation clearing,” they said.

“The department is still investigating this matter and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The letter recipient, meanwhile, said the council had done a great job rehabilitating the area, saying the sustainably cleared area would be even more stunning in six months. Picture: Cameron Bates

Hinchinbrook Mayor Ramon Jayo confirmed that his own council had both cleared the land and dobbed itself in.

“The (elected) council has been battling its own staff concerning clearing of certain sections for a very long time.”

He confirmed the council had an ongoing, government-approved program to rid the area of vermin and weeds from Lions Park so locals and visitors alike could enjoy the stunning beach and ocean views.

“We’ve got our approvals and plans in place and we are undertaking a significant clearing so that all the Guinea grass … and rubbish plants that inhibit the area and attract vermin is cleared so we return the area to some semblance of order so that the people in the area can enjoy it.”

Mr Jayo confirmed that it was illegal for residents to “interfere with or destroy native plants”.

The letter recipient, meanwhile, said the council had done a great job rehabilitating the area, saying the sustainably cleared area would be even more stunning in six months.

Originally published as Resources Department warns Lucinda residents over native vegetation clearing