Three property developers have been fined $250,000 after they illegally cleared land in Baldivis which was home to the endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo.
Novalee Nominees Pty Ltd, Estates 77 Pty Ltd and Spatial Property Group Pty Ltd cleared over 10 hectares of native vegetation at lots 635, 739 and 740 on Baldivis Road between May 2015 and August 2017, breaching the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The native vegetation was also a critical habitat for the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and Baudin’s Black Cockatoo, both listed nationally as vulnerable species.
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment issued the companies with an enforceable undertaking which will see them pay $250,000 to the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip.
The funds will be used for research towards the protection and conservation of the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo.
"This outcome serves as a reminder that Australian Government approval must be sought before starting activities that could have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance," a Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment spokesperson said.