Wagga man convicted over damage to native trees

Thirty-six-year-old Peter McKenzie fronted Wagga Wagga Local Court and was convicted on charges relating to the damage of native trees around the region. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.

A Kooringal man has pleaded guilty to damaging native trees in reserves around the Riverina.

Peter McKenzie fronted Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday (9 August), charged with damaging a travelling stock reserve without authority and three counts of injuring, damaging or disturbing a plant, animal, rock or soil in a public place.

The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges and was convicted by Magistrate Rebecca Hosking, who ordered him to pay $880.

Rural Crime Prevention began an investigation into reports a significant tree that was under observation and monitoring for native species habituation was felled in February this year.

Police also received reports that trees in reserves around the Riverina were being de-limbed.

Following enquiries, Rural Crime Prevention officers visited a home in Kooringal on 8 June and spoke with McKenzie, who was later issued with a court attendance notice.

Rural Crime officers issued a reminder to the public that tree felling on and collecting wood from travelling stock or Crown land reserves is prohibited. These reserves provide a habitat for native and protected species.

Residents can collect roadside firewood from specific reserves with a permit. For more information and conditions, contact the local council.