Penalty for serious environmental harm in Murraylands
A man has been convicted and fined $60,000 for intentionally causing serious environmental harm in the Murraylands.
The penalty is the result of an investigation by the Environment Protection Authority.
In the Environment, Resources and Development Court His Honour Senior Judge Durrant convicted Jason Tranter for intentionally causing serious environmental harm, contrary to section 79(1) of the EP Act, for the disposal of soil into the Murray River adjacent to 7-8 Burgess Road, in Sunnyside.
Mr Tranter entered a guilty plea to the charge of causing serious environmental harm. He was handed a penalty of $100,000 that was discounted for him entering an early guilty plea, reducing the penalty to $60,000.
Senior Judge Durrant also ordered Mr Tranter to pay $1100 in court costs and $424 for the Victims of Crime levy.
In March and June of 2021, the Rural City of Murray Bridge Council were made aware of excavation works being undertaken and notified the EPA.
The EPA conducted an investigation, and the matter was referred to the Environment Resources and Development Court on 6 October 2022 for prosecution action to commence against Mr Tranter.
In sentencing, Senior Judge Durrant said that the Court found photographs provided were compelling and disturbing and showed an obliteration of the aquatic environment which had previously existed.
He said that a significant penalty was required to deter Mr Tranter and others from this kind of brazen offending and that a strong message must be sent to condemn deliberate destruction of the natural environment.
The EPA’s Manager of Investigations and Incident Management Kelly Clarke said the conviction would serve as a strong deterrent for anyone considering flouting the Environment Protection Act.
“Senior Judge Durrant has sent a strong message in his sentencing remarks that this type of environmental offending is serious and will not be tolerated,” she said.