Mitchell Shire Council has taken legal action over the illegal removal of 88 native trees located in Wallan’s Hidden Valley.
The matter was heard at Broadmeadow’s Magistrates Court earlier last month after Council lodged charges against the owner of Mamuna Investment Group Pty Ltd and its sole director Ahmad Hashmi. Counsel from Council informed the court that following a complaint from a local and a follow-up investigation, it was revealed that the native vegetation had been unlawfully removed from the property located at 61-65 Eastern Ridge.
The court also heard that while a planning permit had previously been acquired for some vegetation removal and the construction of a dwelling, the permit had expired, and a new permit had not been secured for the additional removal of the native trees.
After negotiating a plea, both parties faced one charge each for the removal of native vegetation without a planning permit, and the accused pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Mamuna Investment Group Pty Ltd was fined $40,000, and Ahmad Hashmi was fined $30,000, with additional costs amounting to $9546. However, no conviction was recorded against either accused.
Council officers are now putting together a VCAT application for an enforcement order against the owner and director, which will seek to obtain offsets for the removal of the native vegetation, aiming to restore the environmental impact caused by the unauthorised activity.
Council Chief Executive Brett Luxford said the case sent a ‘strong message’ that illegal tree removal would not be tolerated in the Shire.
“Our community values its natural surroundings, and we are committed to ensuring these are preserved for future generations,” he said.
“We take our role in safeguarding native vegetation very seriously. The fines imposed reflect the gravity of the offence and the need to uphold our environmental standards.”
