Michael Anthony fined $300k for dumping construction waste in Darwin

A prominent property developer has received the largest ever fine handed down in Darwin Local Court for dumping construction waste.

A DARWIN property developer has been convicted and fined for serious breaches of the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act.

Michael Adrian Anthony and his company DWD Project Pty Ltd were found guilty of not complying with Pollution Abatement Notices that were issued to them.

They have been fined a total of $300,000, the largest fine ever handed down in Local Court for contravening this act.

The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority issued the businessman with a notice to stop illegally dumping construction and demolition waste and contaminants on his land, on Crown Land and Darwin Harbour in June.

The waste material is said to have contained asbestos, timber, concrete and PFAS contaminated soil.

“Our position is that this incident was totally avoidable had the company and its sole director complied with accepted industry standards for the disposal and recycling of construction and demolition waste,” director of Envrionmental Operations Peter Vasel said.

“It is also a reminder to the broader community that everyone has an obligation to comply with NT’s environmental laws and matters brought to our attention will be investigated,” he said.

Judge Alan Woodcock said it was clear the defendant chose not to comply with the notice.

“Despite exhaustive efforts, detailed consultation with the Defendants, great efforts to educate and assist, they have refused to do so,” he said.