DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND & WATER CONSERVATION v. PYE [1998] NSWLEC 292 (24 November 1998) [1998] NSWLEC 71

DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND & WATER CONSERVATION v. PYE [1998] NSWLEC 292 (24 November 1998) [1998] NSWLEC 71

On the balance of probabilities, the defendant proved the clearing was regrowth under ten years of age on land previously cleared for pastures and cultivation, thus falling within the exemption in Schedule 3(j) of SEPP 46, and not amounting to an offence under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act s 76(2).

Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
24 November 1998
Procedural Posture
Criminal Summonses / Judgment
Outcome
not guilty
Legal Topics
['removal of Native Vegetation Without Consent' 'exemption for Clearing Regrowth Under Ten Years Old' 'onus of Proof for Exemptions']

Case Brief

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Procedural Posture

Criminal Summonses / Judgment

  1. 1 ['Whether clearing of native vegetation occurred without consent' 'Whether clearing falls within exemption for regrowth under ten years old on land previously cleared for cultivation or pastures' 'Onus of proof for establishing exemption']

Ratio Decidendi

On the balance of probabilities, the defendant proved the clearing was regrowth under ten years of age on land previously cleared for pastures and cultivation, thus falling within the exemption in Schedule 3(j) of SEPP 46, and not amounting to an offence under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act s 76(2).

Court Disposition

not guilty

Orders

  • ['The defendant is found not guilty of the offences as charged.' 'The summons in both proceedings is dismissed.' 'The exhibits may be returned.']