Wheatbelt farmer fined $30,000 for illegal clearing

A Wheatbelt farmer has copped a $30,000 fine for illegally clearing 210 hectares of native vegetation on his remote property about 80km south of Southern Cross. The clearing was detected on satellite imagery obtained by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission. Holleton farmer Trevor Frank Major was charged after DWER officers inspected his property and confirmed the land had been cleared and burnt in preparation for cropping. The vegetation cleared included Acacia, Casuarina and Melaleuca shrublands, as well as areas of Eucalyptus Mallee according to DWER. Mr Major was sentenced in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was also ordered to pay $1158 in costs. Magistrate Joe Randazzo said the conviction sent a “forceful message to farmers in the Wheatbelt” and underscored “the importance of preserving the environment and native vegetation”. Mr Randazzo noted the clearing took place in the Wheatbelt where the impacts of salinity and soil erosion were well understood by farmers. DWER executive director compliance and enforcement, Stuart Cowie, said the stiff penalty sent a strong message that illegal clearing would not be tolerated. “The Department is committed to ensuring clearing is done lawfully and in line with relevant laws and regulations,” Mr Cowie said. “DWER will continue to take action when appropriate against those who unlawfully clear native vegetation.” A spokesman said DWER had access to high resolution satellite imagery across WA, enabling the detection and investigation of clearing, even in remote parts of the State. DWER is currently collecting public feedback on a draft version of WA’s first native vegetation policy. Submissions are open until October 25, with feedback received set to inform a final policy for consideration by the State Government. Submissions can be made online.