A central Queensland contractor has paid a fine of $7150 as the result of a Department of Natural Resources tree clearing prosecution, and it’s expected the landholder in the case will be ordered to undertake years of rehabilitation work on the affected area.
In a media release sent out from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines at the end of May, regional manager, Jason Riethmuller, said the prosecution was “an important reminder that it is not only landholders, but also clearing contractors who must understand their obligations under Queensland’s vegetation management laws”.
“While landholders are legally responsible for any clearing that occurs on their property, vegetation management laws also apply to contractors who undertake tree clearing activities,” he said.
DNRM’s investigations found that a clearing contractor had carried out illegal broadscale clearing of regulated native vegetation totalling more than 350 hectares on a property near Clermont, on behalf of a landholder.
“Although the landholder notified DNRM there would be thinning under a self-assessable vegetation clearing code, large areas were found to have been excessively thinned,” Mr Riethmuller said. “We will be placing a rehabilitation order on the landholder, which means the area must be managed over many years to restore it to remnant status.”
Both the landholder and the clearing contractor were fined.
In addition, a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation has been sent to the landholder to secure the areas as Category A vegetation on the Regulated Vegetation Management Map, which will restrict any future activities in the area.
Mr Riethmuller said under Queensland’s vegetation management laws, any clearing of regulated vegetation must be authorised or approved through a clearing exemption, self-assessable vegetation clearing code, area management plan or a development approval.
“In the case of contractors, landholders are required to provide clear instructions, keep records and supervise clearing activities,” he said.
Mr Riethmuller said the case was one of a number of current investigations of alleged unauthorised clearing activities in central Queensland.
He said the department was aiming to strike a balance between enabling landowners to get on with managing their businesses by sensibly clearing appropriate vegetation, and protecting the environment.
“Our self-assessable codes enable landholders to undertake a range of vegetation management activities without needing to apply for a permit, but the rules are in place to protect valuable ecosystems and reduce sediment run-off.
“It is disappointing to see many cases of alleged unauthorised clearing still being detected. However, the department remains committed to working with landholders to help them understand their responsibilities.
“In addition to on-ground inspections, the department uses satellite technology to quickly detect changes in vegetation cover across Queensland, enabling us to make early contact with landholders if it appears they’re doing the wrong thing.
“This ensures we can contact landholders before inappropriate clearing becomes widespread, but it is important that landholders work with us and abide by the rules in place.”
AgForce has been contacted for comment on this case.
People seeking more information on vegetation management can call 135VEG (135 834).
Landholders can request to receive a vegetation management property report via email to assist them in their planning of vegetation management activities.
To request a property report or find out more, visit www.dnrm.qld.gov.au or email vegetation@dnrm.qld.gov.au
