Water regulator takes company to court for alleged breaches at Bundabah

The Natural Resources Access Regulator has commenced prosecution of a company for unlawful activities on waterfront land at Bundabah, near Tea Gardens.

It is alleged the company removed vegetation and deposited rock and turf at three sites in Nanabah Creek without approval.

They have been charged with four offences under s91E of the Water Management Act 2000.

The case will be heard at Raymond Terrace Local Court on 22 November.

The NRAR’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Grant Barnes, emphasised the importance of landowners maintaining the integrity of waterways on their land.

“Vegetation removal on a creek and degradation of creek banks by unlawful works can have significant impacts on a watercourse, not only on the landholder’s property but downstream,” he said.

“It can cause instability of stream banks, soil erosion and an increase in sediment, as well as destruction of habitat. It’s up to us all to protect our waterway environments.”

The NRAR’s investigators and compliance officers travel all over the state’s 57 water sharing plan areas, inspecting properties and assessing compliance with water users’ licences and the Water Management Act 2000.

To make a confidential report on suspected water misuse, go to the website at www.nrar.nsw.gov.au, contact the NRAR hotline on 1800 633 362 or email nrar.enquiries@nrar.nsw.gov.au.