A property developer on the state’s north coast will have to pay $170,000 in fines, after the Court of Criminal Appeal upheld a conviction that found the company had breached its consent conditions.
The Department of Planning and Environment’s Deputy Secretary for Development Assessments David Gainsford said the decision against Leda Manorstead over breaches at its Cobaki development sends a strong message to companies to follow the rules.
“We take compliance very seriously and have tough penalties for developers who don’t do the right thing,” Mr Gainsford said.
“After we conduct rigorous assessments, we place strict conditions on projects to get the best results for the community and environment.
“It is important applicants follow those conditions.”
In 2019 Leda Manorstead was found guilty after failing to comply with its conditions, including exceeding the allowable maximum exposed bulk earthworks area and working outside approved areas.
In addition to a fine, Leda Manorstead was ordered to pay the Department’s legal costs, and publish notices in various newspapers outlining the offences.
Mr Gainsford said the community can be assured that the Department’s compliance team remains vigilant and ready to take enforcement action.
“We have compliance officers on the ground across the state, conducting site visits without warning, carrying out regular inspections and audits, and working with developers to make sure they are sticking to the rules we have set them,” he said.
“The message today is simple – follow the rules or face the consequences.”
If anyone has concerns on potential breaches for a state significant development, they can submit a complaint on the NSW Planning Portal at www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/services/complaint-form.
