Another man to face 215 land clearing charges near Mildura

Another man is set to face court in Mildura with 215 land clearing charges next to his name.

A second man will face court with more than 200 land clearing charges in Victoria’s northwest after the Conservation Regulator’s ongoing investigation into the alleged crimes.

The Conservation Regulator confirmed that a second man will front the Mildura Magistrates’ Court on January 11, 2022 and will face 215 charges of land clearing related charges.

In a statement the Regulator said it is alleged another man was involved with the destruction of more than eight hectares of native vegetation on public land adjacent to a property, near Mildura.

The second man also faces 215 charges under the Land Act 1958, Forests Act 1958, and Wildlife Regulations 2013, including the destruction of wildlife habitat.

It is alleged the two men damaged or destroyed approximately 8.4 hectares of vegetation, including over 100 Mallee trees, some of which were estimated to be hundreds of years old.

Earlier in December acting Loddon Mallee regulatory regional manager, Georgia de Salis, said a tip-off from the public sparked the investigation into the alleged illegal clearing.

She said in January 2021, Authorised Officers from the Conservation Regulator began their investigations after they received reports of large-scale vegetation clearing on public land in a town near Mildura.

“Authorised officers attended the location in February 2021 and reported approximately 8.4ha of vegetation was either heavily damaged or destroyed, including over 100 large Mallee trees, some estimated to be hundreds of years old,” Ms de Salis said.

“It is alleged the man used heavy plant machinery and hand tools to fell or damage over 130 trees and large amounts of low-lying vegetation.”

Ms de Salis also said officers reported a fence had been allegedly constructed across a section of public land which ‘fenced in’ the area to the accused’s private property.

Ms de Salis said the destruction of native vegetation was illegal as it has a disastrous effect on the regional ecosystems.

“Removal of native vegetation is devastating for biodiversity,” she said.

“In Victoria, it is illegal to remove or destroy vegetation on public land without authorisation.

“Native vegetation provides habitat for native animals and delivers a range of ecosystem services such as soil formation and creation of clean air.

“A permit is required to remove or alter native vegetation on private land. These regulations are known as the Native Vegetation Removal Regulations and are primarily implemented through local council planning schemes.”

Ms de Salis said multiple internal teams from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, the Conservation Regulator and the Mildura Rural City Council were all involved with the investigation into the alleged crimes.

Among the man’s charges, the most serious offence carries a fine of up to $9087 and a one-year imprisonment term.

Anyone with information about environmental crime is urged to contact DELWP on 136 186, where callers can remain anonymous.