Three Western Australian companies will pay $250,000 as part of an enforceable undertaking after contravening Australia’s national environment law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Novalee Nominees Pty Ltd, Estates 77 Pty Ltd and Spatial Property Group Pty Ltd cleared 10.18 hectares of native vegetation that was home to the endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, without approval under the Act.
This native vegetation is also critical habitat for the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo and Baudin’s Black Cockatoo, both listed nationally as vulnerable species.
As part of the undertaking, the companies will pay $250,000 for research by the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip to protect and conserve the protected black cockatoo.
An enforceable undertaking is considered an appropriate response to the contravention as it provides for the provision of funding for the protection and conservation of the protected matter that has been impacted.
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.
The enforceable undertaking made on the 20 January 2022 is available at: https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/epbc/compliance-and-enforcement/compliance-outcomes.
