Latest news with #Waroona
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Why an Aussie bloke fined $25,000 by his local council thought he was 'doing the right thing'
A Western Australian man who was fined $25,000 for clearing native trees on his property and council land without approval has argued the gardening works were done for the benefit of endangered animals. Craig Wilson Donohue faced Mandurah Magistrates Court on May 7 charged with carrying out development in an area subject to a local planning scheme. Mr Donohue pleaded guilty for clearing and substantially trimming native bushland on his Forrington Heights property and part of the Shire of Waroona's road reserve. The trimming, which took place in late 2024, spanned an area of at least 1,000sqm of bushland which had been deemed an environmentally sensitive area. Mr Donohue claimed he was trying to 'do the right thing' by removing fencing and barbed wire from the area as he believed it presented a 'danger to native animals'. He also argued the invasive cottonbush, poisonous nightshade and South African weed watsonia had taken over the area and blocked native fauna from flourishing. But the council's prosecutor told the court his actions would have long-lasting and significant impacts on the protected area, the Mandurah Times reported. The Shire of Waroona claimed Mr Donohue's mechanical trimming and hot burning - an intense fire over an extensive area - had impacted the natural habitat of several endangered plants and animals. Council argued the marri and banksia trees, which are the natural foraging habitat of the black cockatoo, split open and died due to the heat of the fire. Native shrubs and ground covers were also substantially trimmed and cleared. While the prosecution accepted Mr Donohue's actions were 'somewhat inadvertent' they argued he should have received clearance from the council. On her ruling, Magistrate Leanne Atkins told Mr Donohue there would be a significant penalty for his actions as he failed to seek the appropriate approval. He was fined $25,000 and was ordered to pay $1,500 in costs to the council. In accepting the decision, Mr Donohue pledged to sow 200 plants over the course of two years to help with re-vegetation in the affected area.
West Australian
28-04-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Harvey's Cam Wellington is the 2025 under 18 boys State singles, doubles and triples lawn bowls champion
Harvey's Cam Wellington has bowled over the competition in his final bout at the under 18 State lawn bowls championships. The bowls talent managed to take away gold at the under 18 boys bowls State championships earlier this month in the singles, triples and pairs competitions. With an unstoppable performance, Cam ploughed through all of this year's competition undefeated, demonstrating his five years of expertise at the sport. 'It was pretty breathtaking really,' he said. 'It doesn't feel real to win one, let alone to win all three.' Cam competed against 30 other juniors from across the State. Coming out on top at in the singles completion saw Cam surpass East Fremantle's Elijah Blackward, who came second, and Waroona's Matthew Larkman and Coorow's Harper Wass who both tied for third. Turning 18 later this year, this was Cam's final attempt at the under 18s championship, though he said he was not nervous when he hit the green. 'There was a little bit more pressure, this being my last year to win something, but I had a good routine for the whole four days,' he said. 'I'd be up at six o'clock every morning and go for a swim, and then I'd be at the club first. 'I'd go out, inspect the green, polish my bowls, look at the wind and stretch.' It was his extra preparation which earned Cam the top spot in the competition, something he will continue to do as his bowling career progresses. 'Next is the open competition, and hopefully I can make my way from the bottom back to the top,' he said. Though Cam has significant experience competing in the Australian Open, his next entry into the competition will be the first time in the over 18s competition with the ultimate goal of playing for the Australian bowling team. 'I'll just have to work even harder than what I have been,' he said.
