The Shire of Chittering recently issued a stop-work order on what used to be a pine tree plantation, now owned by Bocalusa Properties Pty Ltd. This decision follows the news that the Cobb administration cleared land illegally. Neither local authorities nor environmental advocates are taking the clearing lightly. Witness accounts report that bulldozers, completed by drag chains, were utilized during this process. The property on Djarlma Road is 485 hectares in size. It provides habitat for native fauna and is home to the area’s only freshwater stream.
Aerial footage then emerged, showing the extent of destruction, a massive clear-cut swath of trees. This alarming discovery ultimately left the Shire with no choice but to act quickly. Read his full statement here — Shire of Chittering president Aaron King said he was “alarmed” by what’s happening in his community. He called the extent of the clearing “confronting,” given that site’s strategic and ecologically sensitive nature.
“This type of clearing I haven’t seen in my lifetime,” – Cr King
Allegations of Illegal Activity
Bocalusa Properties Pty Ltd has consistently denied allegations of illegal clearing. They claim that they are truly carrying out sustainable harvesting operations inside their plantation. In response to the leaking pits, a spokesperson for the company said none of these operations need additional approval from the Shire. Furthermore, they indicated that under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA), no clearing permit is necessary for vegetation located within a plantation.
“No further approval from the shire is required for the harvesting operations. Further … no clearing permit is required under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA) in respect of vegetation that is in a plantation.” – Bocalusa Properties Pty Ltd spokesperson
The Shire of Chittering’s initial concerns about the legality of the clearing have only intensified with the findings from aerial surveillance.
Ongoing Investigations
Finally, Western Australia’s environmental regulator has woken up to the farce. They have gone on to investigate the illegal clearing they have an alleged illegal clearing at Djarlma Road property. The investigation has focused on whether Bocalusa Properties Pty Ltd complied with the WA Environmental Protection Act whilst carrying out their activities.
Cr King highlighted the ecological significance of the area, noting that it is not only home to diverse native wildlife but crucial freshwater resources. The Shire’s work to preserve such places is vital, especially with some troubling reports of mass arboreal annihilation.
“I’ve only seen it on TV, when you’ve seen what they used to do in the 1960s when they would clear big acreages.” – Cr King
