Monday 14 December

Forests and wildlife to be better protected

In a move to better care for the regions ecosystems, Cairns Regional Council will prosecute those who illegally clear vegetation.

Maximum penalties under vegetation clearing and vegetation management laws are $50,000 and $85,000 respectively.  Under these laws on the spot penalties for breaches are not possible.

Mayor Val Schier said delegating the authority to the CEO to instigate legal proceedings when a person has not obtained developmental approval or permit to clear will lead to more immediate response to illegal clearing.

“It is important that we have an effective deterrent for vegetation offences, as the biodiversity of the environment is one of our region’s best assets,” Cr Schier said.  “Council will no longer have to approve every prosecution individually which will save significant time in pursuing legal proceedings.”

“We recently voted to erect warning signs where coastal vegetation has been vandalised and this will be another tool in fighting illegal clearing,” she said.