That'll learn ya!
A Townsville man has to pay nearly $145k after using a front loader to illegally clear a path through more than 2km of protected national park.
According to the ABC, Frank Jones, 74, was charged with 11 counts relating to the destruction of bushland in the Cape Cleveland area of the Bowling Green Bay National Park, south of Townsville.
Jones pleaded guilty to all charges in the Townsville Magistrates Court in February.
The ABC says said Jones approached authorities in 2019 to enquire about accessing his Alligator Creek property through the national park.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said Jones was warned any works undertaken within the area would need to be discussed with the department and require a permit.
However the government agency began investigating reports in April 2020 that extensive damage had occurred after Jones used a front loader to clear a path measuring longer than two kilometres through bushland.
Read the full story here.