Concern over unauthorised clearing

Three Yallingup residents have approached the City of Busselton urging that measures be taken to combat unauthorised clearing.

The push for a stricter approach comes after several properties were allegedly cleared in Yallingup without the correct permits.

At last Wednesday’s public access session, one resident urged the City to consider distributing a one-page information sheet to new property owners, directing them to online information outlining the laws surrounding native vegetation clearing.

He also encouraged the City to take a harsher approach with earthmovers undertaking unauthorised works.

“The second course that I would propose is trickier, but has the potential to be very effective,” he said.

City planning and development services director Paul Needham agreed the prosecution of earthmovers would send an effective message, but said it was not always possible or recommended to prosecute both the landowner and earthmover from a legal perspective.

He said the City was investigating about 10 incidents of illegal clearing among about 100 active non-compliance files.

Mr Needham and Councillor Rob Bennett reassured the residents the City would look into the issue.

“Just to alleviate some of your fears … we had quite an extensive briefing on this subject today,” Cr Bennett said.

“We’re not being dismissive of your concerns.”