A Dundurrabin landholder was convicted and fined by Coffs Harbour Local Court on 30 August 2024 for damage to vegetation through unlawful clearing of more than two hectares of Chaelundi State Conservation Area, northwest of Dorrigo in the state's north.
The Court heard that between January 2021 and November 2021 the landholder unlawfully cleared vegetation with a bulldozer, including felling mature trees, and extended a fence line into Chaelundi State Conservation Area resulting in an increase to his grazing area.
In sentencing, Magistrate Hamilton imposed a $5,000 fine and ordered the landholder to pay $15,000 towards the prosecutor's legal costs.
Additionally, the Court made an order for restoration which includes commitments for the landholder to:
- pay $5,000 towards the cost of removing fencing constructed by the landholder in Chaelundi State Conservation Area
- pay $10,000 for pest and weed control rehabilitation works
- immediately remove their cattle from Chaelundi State Conservation Area
- take reasonable measures to prevent stock from entering Chaelundi State Conservation Area and
- erect and maintain fencing at their own expense along the correct property boundaries.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service routinely inspects national parks and state conservation areas, and conducts investigations where activities affect the NSW national park estate.
NPWS became aware of this damage to Chaelundi State Conservation Area following a routine patrol to assess threatening processes and the presence of feral animals.
Neighbouring landholders are strongly encouraged to contact their local NPWS Area Office for advice before they start any land management activities on or adjacent to conservation area boundaries.
Under the NPWS Boundary Fencing Policy material assistance may be provided to neighbouring landholders under a Boundary Fencing Agreement free of charge to assist with stock management and ensure encroachment by stock into NPWS reserves does not occur.
Quote attributed to NPW Acting Manager Coffs Coast Area, Silas Sutherland:
'State Conservation Areas are established for the community to protect important natural and cultural values.
'Native vegetation is vital for the health of our environment. It provides habitat for native animals, protects the quality of soils and water and supports neighbouring agricultural productivity.
'It is an offence to harm native vegetation on the national park estate. NPWS reminds landholders of the serious consequences for committing offences against the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
'We are pleased with this outcome which provides an important message to the community that conservation reserves will be protected by the Courts.
'The landholder is now aware of the legal and regulatory framework that protects national parks and state conservation areas in NSW from activities such as unauthorised harm to native vegetation, fencing and cattle grazing.'
