Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead has welcomed a multi-agency investigation into allegations of illegal land clearing at Tea Gardens.
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The investigation is looking at activities by Australian Pine Productions on land at Viney Creek Road.
A range of agencies are involved in the investigation, such as the Environmental Protection Authority and the Office of Environment and Heritage.
“It’s great to see there’s a multi-agency task force that has been set up to investigate allegations of illegal land clearing and earth works.
“We live in a beautiful, pristine area of the coast of NSW, we have the Myall Lakes National Park, an absolutely fabulous place so it needs to be respected.
“It is important that we get to the bottom of exactly what has happened,” Mr Bromhead said.
Mr Bromhead added that any environmental implications will be investigated.
“There are concerns that it may impact on the aquifers and the bore field, there’s concerns that it may impact on the Myall Lake itself.
“Obviously if there is any breach of the aquifer, then that’s a major concern and if there’s any pollution of Myall Lake, that’s of concern as well.
“The evidence thus far is that there hasn’t been and the investigation has got to take its course like it does with any other person living in NSW,” Mr Bromhead said.
Mr Bromhead said the investigation will take some time.
“Investigations don’t happen overnight, investigations are all about gathering evidence that’s admissible in court,” Mr Bromhead said.
“If there is any breaches of the law, I’m sure the full force of the law will be applied.”
He said the State Government is against any illegal activities that affect the environment.
“We don’t tolerate it, it’s the same as breaking the law,” Mr Bromhead said.
There is also a multi-agency regulatory response to allegations of unlawful clearing of land at Australian Pine Productions’ Fame Cove site where there are concerns over environmental aspects of alleged unlawful activities.