Nearly 50 acres of some of the last remaining native grasslands in the state of Victoria, Australia, have been destroyed due to a property developer, ABC News Australia reported. Peter Wu, who purchased the property in April 2021, has since pleaded guilty to causing the damage and has been forced to pay a total fine of AUD$170,000.
The land is home to native vegetation known as kangaroo grass. Large proportions of the plant are already faltering due to urban sprawl.
The land developer "failed to exercise due diligence" as owner of the company Centreland Agriculture Co, "when imported fill was deposited over a large percentage of the land," as ABC News Australia reported.
Grasslands within Australia are significantly threatened, per the Parliament of Australia. Earthly estimated that roughly 50% of temperate grasslands and another 16% of tropical grasslands have been degraded throughout Australia. This area was earmarked for conservation as it became some of the last remaining grasslands in Victoria, ABC News Australia revealed.
Factors such as urban development, weed invasion, poor grazing practices, and poor fire management practices are all noted to be responsible for the severe degradation, according to the Australian Government.
Wu pleaded guilty to the destruction and was fined AUD$70,000, and his company was fined a further AUD$100,000, ABC News Australia reported.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
Magistrate Mark Sabljak, who presided over the case, remarked to ABC News Australia that the destruction was a "serious example of such a breach of the act."
The fine that Wu and his company were forced to pay goes directly to the Australian Government, which puts part of its budget towards protecting the nation's environment. That means money raised from these fines go – in part – back to Australian conservation. Additionally, the case clearly demonstrates how to protect conservation areas from corporations.
Another way to mitigate environmental degradation brought on by companies that put revenue over the environment is by looking out for greenwashing. Consumers who familiarize themselves with sustainability and climate brands can actively exercise their power in influencing more green actions from corporations.
|
Should HOAs be able to force homeowners to change their yards?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Absolutely not 💯 
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
Cool Picks
