Company fined for an illegal land clear

A PASTORAL company that illegally cleared land in the Kumbarilla State Forest, resulting in the torching of important species, has been slapped with an $18,000 fine in the court.

The company holds a lease over part of the Kumbarilla State Forest and is permitted to graze cattle in the detailed area.

Between May 20 and June 15, 2020, the livestock company used earthmoving machinery, including a bulldozer with a stick rake, to clear about 25 hectares of land in the forest, south west of Dalby.

The land contained brigalow regrowth, some of which had been growing for 20 years.

Brigalow is an important species which forms a part of various ecosystems across regional Queensland.

After clearing the section of land, the company pushed the felled trees into stacks and burned them, a Department of Environment and Science spokeswoman said.

The cleared land was identified by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers travelling along the Moonie Highway about 60km southwest of Dalby.

The livestock company pleaded guilty at Dalby Magistrates Court to one count each of unlawfully interfering with forest products and one offence of using a restricted item in a state forest.

In sentencing the company, the magistrate stressed the need to deter others from committing similar offences as it is essential to ensure State Forests are protected.

The DES spokeswoman welcomed the fine handed down in Dalby Magistrates Court.

“As Queensland’s environmental regulator, DES treats breaches of the Forestry Act very seriously and will take strong enforcement action,” she said.

“People are urged to report suspected land clearing and environmental emergencies by calling 1300 130 372.”

The company was also ordered to pay $1500 in legal costs.

No convictions were recorded.