Fine and court order issued for illegal riverbank works

Riverbank landholders are being reminded they need to apply for government approval before undertaking any works within 40 metres of waterways, following the conviction of a man for unauthorised reclamation works on the banks of the Clarence River.

The Ebor resident was convicted in Maclean Local Court on 15 February, fined $750 with $63 court costs and ordered by the Magistrate to carry out remediation works on the riverbank to rectify the illegal works.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) initiated an investigation under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 of the alleged works after receiving information from a member of the public.

A Fisheries Conservation Officer inspected the site and observed that over 800 old car tyres had been used to reclaim approximately 80 metres of the river foreshore.

While the defendant claimed he was attempting to prevent bank erosion, NSW DPI Program Manager (Aquatic Habitat Protection), Sarah Fairfull, said the use of car tyres and any other waste materials was an unacceptable method of bank stabilisation.

“Car tyres can pollute waters and damage aquatic habitats if the river bank stabilization works fail and the tyres wash away,” she said.

The maximum penalty for an offence of this nature is $110,000.

Ms Fairfull said the Department of Primary Industries was committed to conserving fish habitats and reminds landholders to seek advice and apply for the relevant approvals before undertaking any works within waterways.

“Foreshore stabilisation works can be very beneficial if they are conducted in accordance with best practice guidelines,” she said.

“To receive the most current guidelines contact the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) or your local council.”

For more information, contact DIPNR Information Centre on (02) 9762 8044 or email nrmreform@dipnr.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Phil Bevan on 6626 1350 or 0429 458 053