Herons Creek Tree Clearing

Land & Environment Court Case

31 May 2007

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is presently prosecuting a case in the NSW Land and Environment Court against Lawler Services Pty Ltd and Mr Eddie Petro (defendants).

Council is alleging that between 1 July 2006 and 8 August 2006 that the defendants committed an offence against section 125 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 by destroying trees contrary to Hastings Tree Preservation Order 2003 and clause 20 of Hastings Local Environmental Plan 2001.

Council is alleging that the defendants caused the destruction of at least 1000 trees spread across 28 hectares of Lot 186 on DP 754405, Herons Creek Road, without the consent of Council.

The Land and Environment Court commenced hearings on Monday 28 May, and these hearings are likely to continue into next week.