Big fine for illegal mangrove clearing

A Maryborough man has been fined $25,000 in the Maryborough Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to destroying marine plants and conducting unauthorised works in a declared Fish Habitat Area at Kalah Creek.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said this was a significant penalty and served as a warning to anybody else interfering with protected marine vegetation.

“The defendant had previously been cautioned by the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) over similar activities,” Mr Saunders said.

“After receiving a further complaint, QBFP executed a search warrant on the property and also engaged a Queensland Government botanist to help assess the damage.

“The Magistrate agreed that the defendant’s actions were cavalier and found that the offending was serious and the works were significant.

“An Enforcement Order to restore the damaged mangroves was also issued by the Court.”

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said damaging important marine plants is unacceptable and anybody found in breach of Queensland’s laws will be prosecuted.

“These are important environments for fish breeding and damaging these plants can impact on our fish stocks,” Mr Furner said.

“Anyone aware of damage to marine plants should contact the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116.”

ENDS

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920